Thief who stole Inverness family's Christmas presents asks for mercy
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A THIEF who stole a family’s Christmas presents and drove off in their car threw himself on the mercy of a sheriff, asking for his freedom to look after his ill mother and grandmother.
But James Joyce, who admitted 39 previous convictions with 22 of them involving him being jailed, had his plea through his lawyer Roger Webb, rejected at Inverness Sheriff Court.
Sheriff Gary Aitken told Joyce, who was due to be sentenced for his crimes but a background report was not available, “these offences are serious”.
He added: “I can understand [why you want bail] but looking at your record and your breaches of previous bail, it would not be appropriate.”
Joyce was remanded in custody until May 21 for the report to be prepared.
Last month, the court was told the 35-year-old had entered a bed and breakfast in Glenurquhart Road, Inverness to commit his “mean and nasty offence” on December 8, 2018.
His haul included a football top, packs of razors and blades, two mobile phones, a pullover, an electric toothbrush and other items. Joyce then stole the family’s father’s vehicle to drive to his home in Kyle of Lochalsh.
Joyce, whose offences were described as “mean and nasty” admitted theft, driving while disqualified and without insurance.
Mr Webb told Sheriff Aitken that his client had attended his father’s funeral while on remand, while attached to a prison officer.
He added that Joyce’s mother was also seriously ill, his grandmother had health issues and Joyce was the only person available to care for them.
“He is not seeking to take advantage of the current [coronavirus] situation,” Mr Webb said. “The police know where he will be living and will be keeping a sharp eye on him. But his father’s death has affected him greatly and he wants his life to change, which it has in recent weeks.”
