Man stole from pensioner’s purse

A dog walker stole from his elderly client in a “callous” act.

James Miller had been entrusted to walk the woman’s pet when he took £25 from her purse, which was hidden in a drawer in her house.

Depute fiscal Lisa Marshall told Perth Sheriff Court: “The complainer is elderly and has limited mobility.

“She has a pet dog and employs dog walkers. The accused took up the position walking her dog on January 17.

“On February 16 a relative of the complainer collected her pension and brought it to her.

“As was her habit she put it in her purse in her bedroom drawer. The next day she noticed some money was missing from it.

“Police investigated and some time later, in August, it became clear that the accused had taken £25 from her.”

Solicitor John McLaughlin said Miller was “deeply ashamed and embarrassed” to find himself in court.

He said: “He’s hoping to put this behind him and is trying to help others taking the action that he had taken.

“He seems genuine in he’s realised how badly he acted.

Miller, of Strowan Road, Crieff, admitted stealing a quantity of cash from an address in Comrie between February 16 and 17 last year.

Sheriff William Wood told him his actions showed “great stupidity and callousness.”

Sentence was deferred on the 19-year-old for him to be of good behaviour.