Payback time for bank card thief

Jul 30 2008 Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

A MAN who went on a festive spending spree after nicking a bank card has escaped jail after paying it all back – with interest.

Sean Cushley (19) from Duntilland Avenue, Salsburgh, stole £2200 after visiting various cash machines around 20 times.

He withdrew amounts ranging from £20 to £280 between December 23 last year and January 1, 2008.

The card was stolen from Mhairi Docherty at an address in Clark Street, Airdrie.

Airdrie Sheriff Court heard that Cushley, who had been given time to repay the cash, had received a positive social enquiry report.

The report praised Cushley for his willingness to pay an extra £700 to compensate the victim.

Sheriff John C Morris, acknowledged the accused’s “excellent” report before sentencing him to 80 hours community service.