Handyman who stole OAP’s cash blasted for dodging punishment
Sheriff warns thief he faces jail for ignoring court order
A callous crook who stole from a grieving pensioner has been slated by a sheriff for ignoring his punishment.
Steven Quigg, 42, raided £1,200 from the bank account of frail and vulnerable Edward Connor, 76, after the victim had recently lost his wife.
Quigg, of Darkwood Avenue, Ferguslie Park, narrowly avoided jail and was handed a Community Payback Order of 12 months supervision, given 220 hours of unpaid work and ordered to repay Mr Connor.
Paisley Sheriff Court heard the thief has not carried out the work, nor has he attended appointments with the social work department.
He is on the verge of being jailed as the punishment was handed him as a direct alternative to custody.
Defence agent Amy Spencer said: “I accept from the outset the contents of this report are unsatisfactory.
“I have explained this to Mr Quigg and he informs me the health difficulties he suffers from have prevented him from cooperating.
“He has, however, came to court with £550 in cash to be paid in compensation. I would ask to provide the court with a medical letter from his doctor outlining his position.”
Sheriff Tom McCartney took a dim view of Quigg’s attitude towards his punishment.
He said: “If he is unfit for unpaid work, that will no longer be an appropriate disposal, having regard to the nature of the offence.
“It was made very clear this was an alternative to custody. He is leaving the court with very few options.
“I am not sure a medical report is going to explain his failure to attend supervision appointments.”
The sheriff told Quigg: “This situation is most unsatisfactory. You have failed to keep your appointments for supervision. I am not prepared to accept that. The sentence was imposed as an alternative to custody.
“Unless you comply with the order, the court will impose the sentence of imprisonment.”
Sheriff McCartney continued matters for six weeks for a review of Quigg’s situation after which he will learn his fate.
Jobless Quigg had pleaded guilty to charges of stealing a bank card belonging to his victim and used it to withdraw cash at Link Londis Supermarket, Brediland Road, and Morrison’s Supermarket, Falside Road, both Paisley.
The incidents took place between November 2015 and January 2016.
The court had heard that Quigg had once acted as a handyman for Mr Connor, who lives in Foxbar.
Unless you comply with the order, the court will impose the sentence of imprisonment Sheriff Tom McCartney