Ashamed Carnoustie charity box thief paid shop back for crime

Guilty man showed remorse after stealing the fundraising tin, food and groceries in spate of thefts

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This was a charity tin in a community shop and he is appalled at himself for this crime

A guilty Angus charity box thief was so ashamed of his crime that he paid back ten-fold what he took.

Mark Finnan admitted he was “appalled” at himself for swiping the tin from the counter of the Haven in Carnoustie, a community shop which has raised thousands of pounds for good causes through the years.

The 48-year-old also proved himself a shoplifter with expensive tastes when he took steak and salmon from the Co-op in Carnoustie during a downward spiral at the end of last year.

Finnan, of Kinloch Street, Carnoustie, appeared for sentence before Sheriff Derek Reekie at Forfar Sheriff Court, having previously admitted charges relating to the Haven theft on September 13, and the Co-op crime on December 14.

The court heard the Co-op haul totalled £120 worth of food and groceries, none of which were recovered.

The exact amount in the Haven tin was unknown, but remorseful Finnan had previously saved up £30 to give to the shop.

The court was told the gesture represented approximately 10 times the sum he got from his opportunist actions.

Finnan had been in the shop just after 1pm when a staff member came through to the counter area as he was heading out the door.

He was asked if he needed help with anything, but left the building.

However, a shop worker in nearby premises had seen Finnan pick up the container and went to the Haven to ask if anything was missing. It was then that staff realised the collection tin was gone.

Finnan ran off, but was traced later by police.

His solicitor said: “This was a charity tin in a community shop and he is appalled at himself for this crime.

“His mother had passed away and he reverted to old ways.”

Sheriff Reekie told Finnan: “I see this was a return to old ways, but I note there was a significant gap in your offending.

“However, these were items of significant value, and the theft of a charity box is particularly despicable.

“I take account that you have made some effort to redress that by making some payment to the charity shop, and I take note that you have been of good behaviour since this case last called.”

Finnan was ordered to pay £120 compensation for the groceries theft and was fined £240.