Couple spared jail after stealing from mother

A former police officer has avoided jail time after being found guilty of stealing £ 60,000 from his elderly mother’s bank accounts.

Andrew Rough, acting with his wife Jean, was spared a prison sentence yesterday after his 86- yearold mother pleaded for mercy to the Stirling Sheriff Court.

The couple embezz led the money from Mrs Rough over the course of almost five years.

They were ordered to pay back £ 24,000 and carry out 300 hours of unpaid work. They are banned from contacting Mrs Rough for three years.