CALLOUS RAIDER TARGETS CHARITY BOX CASH

US tourist spotted thief at work

A woman filled her hands and pockets with coins from a charity box at Cowane’s Hospital, Stirling Sheriff Court heard yesterday (Tuesday).

Kirsty-Anne Nicholson (32) pleaded guilty to stealing money from the coffee shop on June 24.

Two other charges – of being found in the Church of the Holy Rude without lawful authority the same day and stealing money from a cafe at The Smithy, St Mary’s Wynd two weeks later – were dropped.

The Lower Castlehill resident was released on bail pending a further court appearance later this month.

Fiscal depute Lindsey Brooks told the court: “It was 1pm on the Saturday afternoon and a member of staff was told by a US tourist that the accused was seen stealing from a charity box.

“She was confronted and it was seen that she had a handful of change and her pockets were full up.”

The court was told that after Nicholson was challenged she replied that she was only picking the coins up – and then said they

were her wages.

Police were contacted and she was asked to remain at the scene but left. The cash has not been recovered.

Defence solicitor Harry Couchlin asked Sheriff James MacDonald to allow Nicholson, who was appearing from custody, out on bail.

He said: “Her family are treating this as her last chance to show them that she can change her ways. She has used her time in custody well.

“Her problems with drugs are intermittent in nature.

“Her latest episode with drugs was triggered by her entering into an ill-advised relationship with a man from Manchester. She escaped from that but was left quite vulnerable.

“She has motivation to stay out of trouble.”

Sheriff MacDonald adjourned the case until August 30 and granted bail but warning Nicholson that she must stay out of trouble.

He said: “You have been convicted of what was a very mean offence.

“I am considering all sentencing options and I note your record and that there has been no previous custodial disposal.

“I am persuaded with some hesitation to allow bail.”

Nicholson’s bail conditions forbid her from entering Cowane’s Coffee Shop and she must stay at home between the hours of 7pm and 7am each night.