Addict took cash from charity box

Owedhundredstodealers

A woman who helped herself to cash from a charity box at Cowane’s Hospital has avoided jail.

Kirsty-Anne Nicholson (32) stole money from the coffee shop in the building while she was “out of her tree” on June 24.

The Lower Castlehill resident said she owed hundreds of pounds to drug dealers at the time of the theft.

When she appeared at Stirling Sheriff Court on Wednesday she was placed under supervision for 12 months, ordered to do 60 hours of unpaid community work and told to pay £100 in compensation.

The court heard that on the afternoon of June 24 a tourist visiting the building told a member of staff that Nicholson had been stealing from a charity box.

Staff approached the accused and saw that she had a handful of coins. They also noticed that her pockets were filled with change.

She said she was only picking the money up off the floor.

Police were contacted and Nicholson was asked to remain at the scene but left and the cash was not recovered.

She was traced on July 6 and interviewed by police. She said that she was homeless, had been “sofa surfing” and had a drug addiction.

Defence solicitor Ken Dalling told the court this week: “She is 32 years old and the background report makes some sad reading.

“She has little recollection of the incident. She told me she owed hundreds of pounds to drug dealers and threats had been made to her.

“She said she must have been out of her tree and thought that she was invisible.”

Mr Dalling added: “She presents well in court – as well as I’ve seen her in years.

“Her mother is attending court with her.

“She is not assessed as suitable for drug treatment but she hopes she can avoid a relapse.”

Sheriff William Gilchrist told Nicholson: “This was a mean offence. You stole charity money because you have a drug habit and you had to steal to feed that habit.

“You have had some time in custody and you will go back if you don’t mend your ways.”

A review of Nicholson’s progress was fixed for three months’ time and Sheriff Gilchrist warned her: “If the order is breached you will receive a custodial sentence.”