A MANAGER at Perth prison yesterday went on trial accused of stealing a three-figure sum from the jail.

Raymond Allan is charged with taking the cash—which had been handed in by members of the public to be given to prisoners—on February 20 or 21 last year.

The 40-year-old from Nicoll Drive, Bankfoot, denies taking the £100 while he worked on the days in question.

During evidence it emerged that Allan returned £100 to the cashier’s office some three months later.

However, he told police he had only done so as he felt the on-going investigation into the theft was adversely affecting the morale of his staff.

Allan denied that he had given the cash back as he was responsible for taking it in the first place.

Perth Sheriff Court heard that money collected from members of the public during the day to be given to individual prisoners was placed in an envelope and posted through the door of the cashier’s office at night.

However, it appeared that on the day in question the envelope was subsequently switched and the money taken.

Allan admitted that his DNA was on the new envelope but said he could give no explanation as to how this had happened.

During an interview by police officers which was recorded on DVD and shown to the court yesterday he said, “I am quite shocked that my DNA was on the envelope—I am not sure how that could be.”

However, under questioning from police Allan went on to admit he had handed in £100, along with an anonymous letter.

The typed letter stated, “Please find enclosed the money I borrowed from the till in February.

“I am deeply sorry for the problems caused by this.

“It was a one-off. I have never done this before and I will never do it again.”

The letter stated that the author was struggling financially at the time and “could see no way out.”

“I realise my work-mates have been placed under suspicion and for that I am sorry,” it continued.

The letter’s author also attempted to suggest that any DNA evidence would not stand up in court.

“The envelope I used came from somewhere else...I steamed it open. The DNA in it will not be mine,” it added.

Police officers put it to Allan that this admission proved he was guilty of taking the money, but he continues to deny the charge.

“I put the money back because of how it was affecting my staff,” he told police during the taped interview.

“However, I did not take the money. Maybe I was stupid putting the money back but I can say hand on heart that I did not take it.”

Allan went on to say he had a “decent” income and had “too much respect” for both himself and his job to take the money.

The court also yesterday heard that Allan had been signed off with work-related stress following the theft.

The case, being heard before Sheriff Richard McFarlane, is set to continue on October 16.