A Montrose man in the grips of a valium addiction admitted stealing six charity boxes at Forfar Sheriff Court.
Kenneth Thompson Milne, 34, of Traill Terrace, stole three charity boxes from the Park Hotel in John Street, Montrose, on May 23 and May 25; two charity boxes from the Links Hotel in Links Avenue, Montrose, on May 24 and another charity box from Ladbrokes on Montrose High Street on July 5 while on bail.
Milne also admitted that on April 21 at Madisons Cafe at Montrose Sports Centre in Marine Drive, he stole two items of food.
Depute fiscal Hazel Anderson told the court Milne was captured on CCTV stealing the boxes from the Links Hotel, after he asked an employee for a job application.
He was also identified on CCTV stealing the box from Ladbrokes.
She said: “Five of the thefts took place during the weekend of Montrose Music Festival when the town was very busy.
“In the circumstances it is impossible to quantify the amount of money taken.”
The charity boxes were for Macmillan Nurses, Marie Curie and RNLI.
Mrs Anderson added that the items taken from Madisons Cafe were a sandwich and chocolate bar, valued at £3.99.
Defence agent Hamish Watt said Milne was “not proud” that he had stolen the charity boxes.
He said: “He is appalled these charities were declined of funds. At the time he was a drug abuser who had spent all his money on valium. He made a full confession when apprehended.”
Mr Watt said the shoplifting offence occurred after Milne had not eaten for a few days.
“His benefits had been sanctioned, leaving him without funds to buy food,” he said.
“When he was in the cafe area of the sports centre, he was overcome by the requirement to eat.”
The court heard that Milne was subject to a low tariff structured deferred sentence, which was due to conclude on October 2.
Sheriff Pino Di Emidio deferred sentence until this date and ordered an updated criminal justice social work report.