Carnoustie charity tin thief also pleads guilty to shoplifting charges

A charity tin thief has been given a chance to stay out of trouble – and keep hold of the £30 he saved up as repayment until he returns to court six months down the line.

Mark Finnan was spotted swiping the container from the counter of a Carnoustie community shop by a sharp-eyed worker.

Finnan, 47, of Camus Street, Carnoustie, appeared for sentence before Sheriff Jillian Martin-brown at Forfar Sheriff Court where he admitted taking the charity can from the Haven shop on September 13 last year.

The incident, on Carnoustie High Street, happened less than a week after Finnan shoplifted £35 worth of groceries from the town’s Spar.

He also pled guilty to taking £120 worth of groceries from the Co-op on Barry Road, Carnoustie, on December 14.

Depute fiscal Jill Drummond told the court none of the foodstuffs taken were recovered, and it was not known how much was in the charity tin.

She said Finnan had been in the Haven shop just after 1pm and 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 shop,” said the fiscal.

“A witness working in the Spar saw the accused pick up the container and they left the shop to ask staff if anything was missing, at which point it was realised the charity tin had been taken from the counter.”

Finnan was seen to run off down Ferrier Street, but was later traced.

His solicitor said guilty pleas had been offered at the earliest opportunity, and Finnan had brought £30 to court as a gesture to the charity shop.

“There were substance issues, but there aren’t any more and that is to his credit,” said the agent.

Sheriff Martin-brown deferred sentence until October to allow Finnan time to pay off existing fines.

“I will take into account that you are willing to make £30 payment to charity when you return to court,” said the sheriff.