An Angus man who stole more than £1,500 of fuel was put on a community payback order at Arbroath Sheriff Court, with a supervision requirement for a year.
Bernard McKay (28), of Ferry Road, Montrose, admitted that between December 1 and 2 at West Mains of Colliston Farm, by Colliston, he stole a quantity of fuel and a number of keys.
He further admitted that on December 2 at Cunmont Farm, Kingennie, he stole diesel.
Depute fiscal Hazel Anderson said the amount of fuel taken was worth £1,510.
A defence agent said it was effectively a period where his client was involved with a “fairly unenviable crowd” and had got himself into debt.
He said the crimes were carried out for financial reasons but his client expressed a desire to show he has changed his pattern of behaviour.
Sheriff Peter Paterson described the thefts as a fairly elaborate exercise which took it away from the realms of a casual offence.
