A chip shop worker stole almost £500 from his work’s safe in “desperation” due to financial difficulties.
Gary Adams resorted to stealing to support his family, including a new baby, after he and his wife were made redundant.
The 41-year-old was caught after other staff at Lows Traditional Fish and Chips in Berryden checked CCTV when Adams didn’t return from the rear of the shop.
They discovered he had walked in, helped himself to the contents of the safe and immediately left.
Fiscal depute Rebecca Thompson told Aberdeen Sheriff Court: “At 4.20pm on December 3 2020 the accused arrived for his shift and entered via the rear staff area.
‘This was an act of desperation’
“At 5pm a colleague went to find the accused as he hadn’t emerged from the staff area.
“From CCTV it was observed the accused entered into the staff area at 4.25pm and removed a sum of money from the safe, placed it within his bag and left.”
Ms Thompson said the total amount taken was £490.
Adams, of Mill of Tifty, Fyvie, pled guilty to theft.
‘You found yourselves in significant financial hardship’
Defence agent Andrew Ormiston said: “It’s fair to say he’s both thoroughly ashamed and thoroughly remorseful for his actions.
“This was an act of desperation on his part.
“Mr Adams found himself in an extremely precarious financial position.”
He explained Adams has lost two jobs and was “exasperated” with the situation.
Mr Ormiston said: “He recognises what he did was wrong and fully admitted it.
“He has found the opportunity to speak to social workers extremely helpful.”
Sheriff Andrew Miller told Adams: “I certainly recognise this offence was entirely out of keeping with your character.
“Both you and your partner found yourselves in significant financial hardship having both been made redundant and having a new baby in the family.”
He ordered Adams to repay the £490 to the shop in compensation and imposed a year’s supervision.
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