Jail for heroin addict who stole money and caused damage

A man with a “significant” heroin habit was jailed for a total of six months when he appeared from custody at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

Jason Pottinger, 22, of Sandveien, Lerwick, pleaded guilty to breaking into Shetland Electrical Supplies and stealing £337 on 30th May, breaking into nurses accommodation at Montfield Hospital and stealing a bag of medication from Vaila Ward, on 3rd June, stealing £40 from Dragon House, Kantersted Road, on 4th June and breaking a garage window at a property at Fogralea, Lerwick, with intent to steal on 5th June.

Sheriff Graeme Napier said there was no prospect of anyone getting any of their money back or of payment for the damage. Pottinger’s jail sentence was backdated to 8th June.

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A fraudster who obtained more than £12,000 from a woman was ordered to repay £5,000 to her by the end of the year.

David Hynes, 50, of Leaside, Firth, had previously pleaded guilty to the fraud, which took place on 26th April 2007.

Hynes had acted as agent in the puchase of a motor home for the woman. He knew the sale price was £7,500, which was the amount Hynes had paid for it. However he induced his victim to put £20,000 into his bank, thus obtaining £12,500 by fraud.

The court heard that Hynes had put together £3,000 which could be paid now. Defence solicitor Tommy Allan said Hynes offered to pay £200 per month, but Sheriff Graeme Napier said he was “not comfortable” with that, as the amount would not be paid off for four years and would mean Hynes had had a six-year interest-free loan.

Mr Allan said Hynes had not been able to take out a personal loan to cover the debt.

The sheriff deferred sentence until December and ordered Hynes to produce evidence of payment to his victim.