A man who grabbed a young woman and tried to rob her in Aberdeen has been given the chance to address his problems.
Shaun Reynolds struck on Great Northern Road on May 28, targeting the 17-year-old as she walked home from a relative’s house.
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, became aware of Reynolds and two women walking on the opposite site of the road from her.
She later heard footsteps coming up behind her, before Reynolds shouted “give me the money”.
The 28-year-old, of Great Northern Road, then threatened to attack her when she said she did not have cash.
He grabbed her, pushed her and tried to grab her handbag before fleeing empty-handed.
Reynolds admitted the assault and robbery charge when he appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court earlier this month.
DNA swabs had been taken from the teenager’s handbag, linking the attempted robbery to Reynolds.
He returned to court yesterday where Sheriff Ian Walker agreed to allowed him to take part in the problem solving court – a structured deferred sentence that provides social work intervention.
He told Reynolds the step would give him the opportunity to address the issues that lead to his offending behaviour.