An Asda worker who lost his job after stealing a £300 mobile phone has been given a 12-month Community Payback Order (CPO).
Andrew Carnegie was one of the staff at the New Road premises in Forfar who had keys to the secure area where phones were stored but colleagues became suspicious when he turned up with an expensive model similar to ones they had taken delivery of.
Carnegie was rumbled after CCTV footage was examined and he turned angry with bosses, blaming the theft on having to pay child maintenance.
At the town’s sheriff court on Thursday, Carnegie, 24, of Glenogil Terrave, Forfar, pleaded guilty to stealing the phone from the supermarket between June 13 and 18.
Fiscal depute Hannah Kennedy said: “He was employed in the music and video department and part of his duty was to deal with mobile phones.
“Another employee became suspicious when he said he had purchased a phone almost identical to one which they had taken delivery of.
“CCTV was checked and the accused was seen entering the cage where the phones are kept, depositing boxes in the bin and putting something in his pocket.”
The fiscal said that Carnegie was challenged and when his employers said they would be searching his locker, he got angry and threw his keys and staff card at them.
The phone was found in his locker and although he initially denied the theft, Carnegie changed his story when confronted with the evidence.
He told police: “I did it because I get skinned £174 a month child maintenance, which leaves me with nothing.”
His solicitor said: “He made the decision without waking up to the risk of losing his job and he is certainly paying for this. It was a silly mistake on his part.”
Imposing the CPO, with a condition of 100 hours’ unpaid work, Sheriff Kevin Veal said: “This was a not insignificant breach of trust and although he is a first offender, it was an article of some value as well.”