Woman who stole from elderly neighbour kept in prison after breach of order
A drug user who stole a purse from an elderly neighbour was remanded in custody when she appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court today.
Samantha Chapman, 25, of Rudda Court, Lerwick, had previously admitted the offence, which took place in Rudda Court on 8th March, and had been placed on a drug testing and treatment order.
However she had breached that order by not attending appointments, a charge she admitted.
Defence solicitor Tommy Allan asked for bail for Chapman, saying she continued to struggle with drug misuse and planned to move to her mother’s in Orkney. She also had a possible bail address at Lerwick’s North Lochside.
Sheriff Philip Mann told Chapman the purpose of the DTTO had been to help her. She said she had not realised the seriousness of it as she had “so many appointments”, including with the housing and benefits office.
The sheriff said she would still have those pressures on her time if she was allowed bail. He revoked the DTTO and called for reports. Remanding her in custody until 28th July, he said it was the “best thing” to get her clean and give her a “period to reflect in a calm environment and a chance to grasp the opportunity given her”.
