Custody for drug addict who broke into house

An unemployed man who admitted breaking into a house and stealing several items, before failing to attend a court hearing earlier this month, was remanded in custody at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

Adam Chapman, 21, of Sandveien, Lerwick, admitted breaking into a house on the same estate in which he lives on 15th December and stealing a digital camera, docking station and a tobacco pouch. He pleaded guilty to breaking into another Sandveien house between 14th and 16th December.

Chapman also admitted failing to attend a court hearing in Lerwick on 14th January and procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said the defendant had an extensive drug problem which “appears to have got worse”, adding that a period of remand “would be merited” in this case.

Defence agent Tommy Allan asked that his client be granted bail and that, although he was not in employment at present, there was some possibility of him finding work with his brother.

But honorary sheriff Arnold Duncan said that because of his extensive record of previous convictions – which include breaching court orders, breaching probation and committing offences while on bail – for Chapman’s own safety and that of the public he would not be given bail.

Chapman will stay in custody until social inquiry reports have been prepared and he is due in court again next Wednesday.