Electrician may be jailed after stealing from client again

An electrician who stole money from clients’ homes three years ago admitted carrying out a similar offence again when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court today.

Stewart Robertson, 49, of Levenwick, pleaded guilty to stealing £40 from a house in Virkie on 31st October.

The court heard Robertson had previously “masqueraded” as an on duty electrician to gain entry into peoples’ properties to steal money.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said the new incident arose when an electrician friend suffered significant mobility difficulties because of an accident, and turned to Robertson for help – despite knowing of his past.

The friend was persuaded that the thefts had occurred during a bad point in Robertson’s life, and was prepared to give Robertson a chance.

Once at the house, Robertson did most of the moving around because he was more mobile than his friend. He followed “his normal traits” and stole the money the couple had withdrawn from the bank to pay the electrician for the work.

That caused financial loss to the householder, but also embarrassment to his friend who had given him the opportunity.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said Robertson was disappointed that he had taken the money.

He added Robertson was sorry for what he had done and would be in a position to pay the money back within two weeks.

Sheriff Philip Mann said the offence could leave Robertson facing a prison sentence.

Ordering background reports, he deferred sentence until 16th May.