A Stagecoach thief who pocketed almost £1,600 in cash in his role as a security driver has been ordered to carry out unpaid work for the “significant breach of trust”.
Richard McCulloch’s role involved him collecting money from the bus firm’s Arbroath depot but the crook was captured on CCTV fitted to his own can skimming almost £1,600 in coins from bags of cash picked up on three visits to Angus.
McCulloch, from Glasgow, represented himself at Forfar Sheriff Court when he appeared for sentence before Sheriff Gregor Murray, having previously admitted a charge of stealing £1,598 from the bus company depot at Peasiehill Road, Arbroath between January 15 and March 26 last year.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond told the court McCulloch had now been dismissed from his job with Security Plus.
She said collections would regularly be made at the Arbroath depot, where security drivers would sign a confirmation slip for an amount of cash, which was then checked after being taken to the company’s administration base.
The court heard three collections made by McCulloch were found to have a shortfall of sums of £838, £389 and £370.
“An internal investigation identified the accused as being the Security Plus driver on the three occasions,” said Ms Drummond.
“CCTV was examined and showed the accused stealing the cash by putting money into a pouch on his belt. It further showed him making an unscheduled stop on his journey.
“He admitted taking the money on all three occasions, saying that he deposited the coins in his own bank account.
“He said ‘I’ve been stealing money from Stagecoach’ and went on to describe how he would steal the money and take the coins home.”
McCulloch, 57, who represented himself in court, told Sheriff Murray: “I just want to get this over with.”
Sheriff Murray said: “It is a not insignificant amount of money and a very significant breach of trust.
“I take into account you have lost your job, you are embarrassed about what you have done and your explanation that you had financial problems.
“As a direct alternative to custodial sentence I will order you to carry out 140 hours unpaid work in one year.”
