A Macduff man has been jailed for breaking into properties across the north-east – including a football club.
Ian Thomson targeted 11 properties near his hometown between November 2015 and December 2016.
The 30-year-old had previously admitted committing the offences and yesterday appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court to be sentenced.
Representing the single dad, solicitor Debbie Wilson said her client was ashamed of his actions which were as a result of his addiction to heroin.
She said the public would be best served by his release into the community where he could receive treatment.
But Sheriff Andrew Miller disagreed and instead sent Thomson, of The Hythe, Macduff, to prison for 24 months.
Thomson’s crimes had been carried out over 13 months and included stealing a charity box from Macduff Lifeboat Station, a company credit card from Prime Seafood in Fraserburgh and stealing about £250 from a gaming machine from Pyramids takeaway in Banff.
He also broke into Princess Royal Park between November 29 and November 30 last year, where Deveronvale Football Club play their home games, to steal cash, food and keys.
Mrs Wilson said yesterday Thomson would have to face up to the community’s response upon his release.
“He has never given an explanation other than he was taking heroin,” she said.
“He was very embarrassed that this is the way he behaved.
“I’m not sure how he’s going to fare being the one who damaged Princess Royal. He has to face that.”
Sheriff Miller said his offences were “serious”.
He said: “You are a 30-year-old man and you are clearly mature enough to appreciate the serious nature of the conduct you chose to involve yourself in.
“The appropriate response from the court today is to impose sentences of imprisonment.”
Thomson’s sentence will be backdated to February 1 when he was first remanded in custody.