Sheriff takes pity on ‘theft’ man after tragedy

He’s bailed following death of girlfriend

A heartbroken Paisley man, who is accused of stealing a laptop from a religious building, has been given a chance to keep out of trouble by a sheriff after his girlfriend died.

Andrew Mack appeared in the dock at Paisley Sheriff Court charged with stealing the computer from Kingdom Hall - the Jehovah’s Witness’ building in the town’s Niddry Street.

Mack, 32, was also charged with being found within in a room in the Craig Dhu pub in Calside, Paisley, where “it could be reasonably inferred (he) intended to commit theft”.

Mack, of Thrushcraigs Crescent, pleaded not guilty to the theft charge, which prosecutors claim was committed on May 2 this year, and planning to steal from the Paisley pub on Tuesday, May 8.

Prosecutors opposed Mack’s bail, asking Sheriff Euan Edment to remand him in custody over the claims.

But defence solicitor Amy Spencer asked for him to be released on bail, saying he was grieving for long- term Paisley girlfriend Claire Taylor, who recently passed away.

The lawyer said: “He is going through an extremely difficult period of his life over the last few weeks.

“Tragically, his long- term partner, whom he was in a relationship with for approximately four years, died of a drug overdose.

“Prior to her death, they resided together.

“It was her tenancy and, as a result of her death, he has been made homeless and, as a result, his lifestyle has been fairly chaotic.

“The funeral was only a weekand-a-half ago because of delays due to a post mortem and funeral arrangements.

“He really has had a horrible learning experience in the last few weeks.”

Sheriff Edment said: “This is a leap of faith - do you understand what I’m saying?

“By the slimmest of margins I’ll allow this - I’ll grant you bail.

“But there better not be one foot out of line.

“If you’ve not learned from the experience of losing your partner, I don’t know what’s going to get through to you. “Good luck - don’t let me down.” Mack thanked the sheriff as he was released on bail.

He is set to return to court in connection with the case in July, while a trial has been set for August.