Man and woman remanded in custody over commercial break-ins

Two people detained in relation to offences at commercial properties appeared from custody at Lerwick Sheriff Court today.

Jason Pottinger, 23, of Hoofields, Lerwick, pleaded guilty to attempting to break into the business premises of MK Leslie at Staneyhill Quarry with intent to steal on 26th May and to stealing a quantity of scrap metal from Shetland Amenity Trust on Wednesday.

Sandra Grant, 29, of Ockragarth, Brae, pleaded guilty to stealing scrap metal from the amenity trust on Wednesday but not guilty to the attempted break-in at the quarry.
A trial date for her has been set for 29th July with an intermediate diet the previous day.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie opposed bail for Grant, saying she has a significant propensity not to comply with court orders – only on Friday she was in court for breach of probation. He said she has an “aggressive” heroin habit and a propensity for acts of dishonesty, and said remand would be appropriate for public protection.

Defence solicitor Tommy Allan said Grant has two months of a nine month probation order to do and asked for bail, saying she could be bailed to her co-accused’s address as she is in a relationship with him. Bail would also allow her to see her children, aged 12 and eight. “If she doesn’t comply she’d be digging a bigger hole for herself.”

However Sheriff Philip Mann remanded her in custody, saying there was a significant risk she might offend on bail.

Regarding Pottinger, Mr MacKenzie said bail would not be appropriate because of Pottinger’s aggressive heroin habit, and a period in custody would be “no bad thing”.

The sheriff agreed, and remanded him in custody. Sentence was deferred until 28th July.