Copper thief bailed for reports

A young man who nicked copper from the power station ended up being nicked by the coppers after he was seen breaking in.

Sydney Peter James Johnson, 23, of Clothister, Sullom, was spotted breaking into the grounds of the power station by cutting a padlock with a Stihl saw.

But he was quickly caught after police  were alerted by a power station worker who saw him pushing a £2,500 roll of copper towards the fence. When Johnson became aware he had been seen, he made his escape by cutting a hole in the fence.

Police found him nearby and he ran off but stopped when told to do so.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said the offence, which Johnson admitted, was clearly premeditated as he had taken the tools with him to do the job.

In total Johnson has removed three rolls of copper wire, destroyed a £100 padlock and caused £200 of damage to the fence. The wire was recovered.

Sheriff Philip Mann said it was a “serious matter” given the high value of the items and the premeditated nature of the crime.

Johnson was granted bail with a condition of remaining at home between 7pm and 7am until sentencing on 30th March when a social enquiry report has been prepared. His power saw was also forfeited.