News / Prison for laptop theft
A MATURE student from Lerwick who admitted stealing laptop computers from Shetland College has been sent to jail for five months.
At Lerwick Sheriff Court John Neill, of 22c Mounthooly St, pled guilty to taking four laptops from the Gremista site on 15 December 2014.
The 35 year old also admitted the theft of two laptop batteries and two chargers.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie told the court the value of the items taken amounted to hundreds of pounds.
Defence agent Gregor Kelly said his client initially took a laptop from the college for coursework and gaming, before deciding it wasn’t performing as well as he hoped.
Neill then took more laptops, all of which have since been recovered.
Sheriff Philip Mann admitted he was “swithering” about sending Neill to jail, but was persuaded by his criminal record.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.