Croy man admits stealing cash from honesty box for his cats
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A MAN admitted stealing money from an honesty box in order to care for his cats.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard Stuart Lilley (48) stole the cash on January 4 last year at Viewhill Farm House, Ardersier.
Fiscal depute Emma MacEwan said the complainer had checked the box where people could pay for farm produce and found less than only loose change and no paper money as would have been expected on a normal day.
She added: “It appeared to be short of money from what had be taken.”
On CCTV was reviewed a man was seen at the box around 2pm removing something.
The footage was posted online and Lilley’s vehicle was identified.
When police confronted him he apologised and said “I needed the money for my cats at the time.”
Lilley, of Dalcroy Green, Croy, was arrested on February 12 and admitted theft by dishonesty as well as breaches of two bail orders by breaching a curfew.
Police found him around midnight on Nairn High Street on July 22 last year.
Sheriff Robert Frazer deferred sentence until January 26.
Defence agent Marc Dickson said his client had a recurring drug problem.
