A sneaky barman gave an accomplice security information as part of a scheme to steal thousands of pounds from a Dundee pub, a court heard.
Kieron Edwards, 21, and Derek Muir, 40, are facing the possibility of jail after stealing more than £5,000 from The Admiral bar on Camperdown Road in January.
Edwards provided Muir with security codes so he could raid the pub’s safe and the pair divided the cash between themselves, with Muir getting £1,400.
The duo blamed each other when caught, with Edwards telling police Muir had coerced him into the scheme through threats, while Muir’s solicitor told the court Edwards had been the “brains” behind the operation.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard Edwards had been working alone on January 19 and locked up just after midnight.
At around 9.45am the next morning, a member of staff noticed the security room had been forced open and the safe, and cash from the night’s takings, were missing.
CCTV showed two men in the security room just before 3am. They were revealed to be Muir and an unidentified male.
Fiscal depute Joanne Smith said: “Edwards voluntarily allowed police to examine his mobile phone.
“This revealed a missed WhatsApp call at the time the alarm was activated.
“He said this was Derek Muir. A number of Facebook Messenger texts revealed messages to the same number.”
Edwards, of Dens Road, and Muir, a prisoner at HMP Perth, pled guilty to breaking into the Admiral Bar on January 19, forcing open the security room and stealing £5,125.19.
Solicitor Scott Norrie, advocating for Edwards, said his client had co-operated with police.
He said: “Whilst Mr Edwards and Mr Muir are acquaintances, they are not what you would term friends.
“There was an element of coercion – not to the extent that it could provide a defence but he said there had been threats. He wasn’t sure if they were serious or not.”
Mike Short, representing Muir, added: “Mr Edwards was the brains behind this. He had the keys, he had the codes.
“Mr Edwards kept some of the money hidden from him (Muir).”
Mr Short pleaded with the Sheriff to consider alternatives to custody, but said his client accepted jail may be a likely option.
Sheriff Alastair Carmichael deferred sentence on the pair until next month. Edwards’ bail was continued and Muir was remanded in custody.
