Inverness store had charity cash stolen during break-in
A drug addict stole charity tins in a late night break-in at a city supermarket.
Matthew Bell (24) also stole goods including alcohol from the Lidl store in Telford Street, Inverness on February 4.
Fiscal depute Adelle Gray told Sheriff Principal Eilidh MacDonald at Inverness Sheriff Court: “At 2.54am police were made aware of an alarm going off at Lidl.
“When they arrived they observed damage to the lower panel of the main entrance.
“They observed CCTV and saw the accused had forced entry by smashing the front door.
“He stole a number of items totalling £195.50 and charity tins, which there is no estimate of.”
Bell, who appeared via video link from HMP Glenochil, pleaded guilty to theft by housebreaking.
Sheriff MacDonald sentenced him to a four month custodial sentence.
Bell’s defence solicitor, David Patterson, said: “He is a young man and can offer no explanation due to lots of substances.
“He is currently engaging with courses and is getting help with his drug addiction.”
