Inverness shop worker stole scratch cards from employer

A 31-YEAR-OLD shop worker took scratch cards from his employer’s premises in the hope of making a big win.

But Inverness Sheriff Court was told that Stuart Mackay, of Laurel Avenue, Inverness only won £300 despite embezzling £2300 worth from a newsagents’ shop in Bruce Gardens between January 1, 2019 and May 31, 2019.

He admitted the offence and sentence was deferred for a background report.

Fiscal depute Niall Macdonald said the loss was discovered in a stock check, and police caught the culprit after viewing CCTV footage.

“He was seen taking cards without putting them through the till,” Mr Macdonald said.

“He was interviewed by police and told them: ‘it was me being an idiot’.”

He went on to quote Taylor further: “Sometimes I would take 10 to 20 a day. I didn’t know how much I won.

“I was going to put my winnings back into buying more cards, thinking I would get a bigger win.

“I intend to pay the owner back. I was stupid.”

Defence solicitor Patrick O’Dea said that his client had been unable to repay the loss as he was still unemployed.

“He still intends to do that. He disclosed that he won £300. He feels shame and embarrassment.”

Sheriff Margaret Neilson ordered Mackay to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work as an alternative to prison and remain under a year’s social work supervision.

She added: “It is open to the owner to take civil proceedings against you.”