INVERNESS SHERIFF COURT: Man (45) from Inverness who attempted breaking in Lloyds Pharmacy n Greig Street in "act of desperation"
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
An Inverness man tried to break into a city pharmacy.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard how Stuart Oag (45), of Duncraig Street, tried to forcibly enter Lloyds Pharmacy in Greig Street with intent to steal on May 24, just after midnight.
Fiscal depute Naomi Duffy-Welsh said Oag was seen by a witness trying to force the door of the pharmacy using a hammer and a chisel.
She said: "The witness called the police who then traced Mr Oag nearby while he was still carrying a small chisel."
She said that Oag told police his actions were out of an "act of desperation" before being taken into custody and interviewed.
Defence solicitor Patrick O'Dea said Oag, who had underlying issues of drug misuse, pleaded guilty in August and had since made progress to address his addiction.
Sheriff Neil Kinnear said the fact the accused was acknowledging that he had an underlying problem with drugs misuse was positive.
Oag was sentenced to a community payback order with 80 hours of unpaid work, to be carried out within 12 months.
He was also placed under supervision for 12 months, with requirement to undergo a drug treatment programme.
