Heroin addict broke into chalet and stole electrical goods and children’s toys

A heroin addict was remanded in custody after breaking into a chalet to commit what was described in court as a “particularly mean-spirited offence”.

Scott Anderson, 19, of no fixed abode, forced his way into the premises at Hoofields on Monday before helping himself to two stereos, a TV set and its stand along with a number of DVDs, CDs and children’s toys – worth around £400 in total.

Lerwick Sheriff Court heard some of the goods had been recovered, however much of the electrical equipment had been exposed to the weather after being left outside and was now in a poor condition as a result.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said people living in the area where the offence took place were often vulnerable and struggling to “make ends meet”.

“Toys for children were taken. It was a particularly mean-spirited offence,” he added.

“He [Anderson] has an aggressive diamorphine habit and it’s no surprise to find out this offence was committed in order to fund that habit.”

Defence agent Tommy Allan said Anderson, who had started working two days a week for a shipping company, was waiting to start a methadone programme which had been arranged through the local drugs project.

He said Anderson had taken substances when the offence was committed and urged Sheriff Peter Hammond to release Anderson on bail pending reports to give him a chance to start his methadone.

“If it looked like the methadone programme wasn’t going to work, or if he committed another offence, then he would still be brought to book for this,” he said, offering a house in Sundhamer as a possible bail address.

He said Anderson had otherwise stayed out of trouble since New Year’s Eve when he was last released from custody, despite his “fairly substantial” record.

Sheriff Hammond called for background reports, but he refused to release Anderson on bail after hearing there was “no pattern” to his offending.

Mr MacKenzie told the Sheriff: “These were offences committed during the day. If a curfew was imposed on him during the day he would simply re-offend during the evening hours. I’m not sure there are any meaningful special conditions [of bail] that could be imposed.”

Anderson will appear for sentence on 21st April.