Tearaway offered chance to change his ways... starting at luxury hotel
Competition... Competition... Competition... Competition
A teenage tearaway stepped out of custody to enjoy a taxpayer-funded stay at one of Lanarkshire’s leading hotels.
The 17-year-old swapped Polmont Young Offenders Institution for the Best Western Moorings Hotel in Motherwell while arrangements were made to provide him with his own home in Hamilton.
A sheriff said the youth had admitted a number of serious offences, but the law demanded every effort must be made to rehabilitate young criminals.
The Moorings describes itself as Motherwell’s top hotel, catering for tourists and businessmen as well as wedding parties.
The teenager, who can’t be named because he is under 18, admitted breaking into a house in Millheugh Brae, Larkhall, in November, stealing car keys, phones and a handbag. He was later caught driving the householder’s car. He had no licence and no insurance.
He also admitted stealing camping equipment after breaking into a garden shed in Machanhill, Larkhall, last June.
He further admitted having illegal possession of a blade – namely a saw – but an allegation that he chased the owner of the garden shed while in possession of the saw was dropped.
The youth, who also admitted breaking a bail curfew, was made the subject of an anti-social behaviour order at the same court last August.
Defence agent Ian Scott said his client has a history of involvement with the children’s hearing system and has been under supervision.
The lawyer referred to social work department plans to provide him with a place of his own in Hamilton. This, the court heard, would involve a “full package of care”.
That accommodation isn’t available right now and the teenager could be put up in the Moorings Hotel meantime.
Mr Scott asked that this plan be followed, telling Sheriff Vincent Smith: “I’ve warned my client there are other options and he won’t get this chance again.
“It might well be a gamble worth taking. My fingers are crossed that the chance won’t be wasted on him.”
Sheriff Smith told the youth: “In light of your age and recent authorities which indicate persons under 18 must be given the chance of rehabilitation in society, I’m obliged to give you an opportunity, but this is the only opportunity you will be given.
“I also take account of the significant period you have already spent in custody.
“These are serious matters and the order I impose will not be a soft option by any stretch of the imagination. You should be aware that if you breach it you will be brought back before me and in all probability the only option will be another significant period in custody.”
The sheriff imposed a two-year supervision order on condition that the youth stays, firstly, at the Moorings Hotel and thereafter at the accommodation provided for him in Hamilton.
An electronic tagging order will prevent him going out between 7pm and 7am each day for the next three months and he must complete 150 hours of unpaid community work.