Opportunist given work order for 'miserable' theft of purse in Wick

A repeat offender who committed a 'miserable' theft of a purse containing £80 was said by a sheriff to have avoided a prison sentence "by the skin of his teeth".

Jamie McCarrick was said to have seized the opportunity to steal the cash at a house in Huddart Street, Wick, on April 20, last year.

He pleaded guilty at Wick Sheriff Court on Wednesday. The cash was not recovered.

The 32-year-old was said to have since relocated from Ross-shire to take up scaffolding work with a contractor and was living in Hawkward Drive, Stirling.

Sheriff Andrew Berry said that the theft could only be described as 'miserable' and noted the accused's record of dishonesty.

McCarrick was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.