Thief who stole fragrance product from vehicle in Langlees gets jail warning

Ricky Keen, 23, stole the bottle from an unlocked vehicle in Dunning Place, Langlees on November 16, 2020 while he was on bail.

Keen, 8 Burnside Crescent, Shotts, appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court last week having pleaded guilty to the theft.

Defence solicitor Stephen Biggam told Sheriff Derek Hamilton his client had failed to keep in contact with social workers due to difficulties with his phone.

Mr Biggam said: “His phone had broken and he now has a mobile number.

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“He tells me he arranged for mail to be delivered to his new address and contacted social work on February 11.

“He has shown me the text messages he received back, explaining he should contact the compiler of the report but it would be too late.

“He was advised there’s not enough time for the report to be compiled.”

Procurator fiscal depute Heather Galbraith confirmed Keen, who works full-time for a roofing company, had no previous convictions.

Sheriff Hamilton noted Keen had failed to appear in court on December 17.

His solicitor replied: “He says he attended.

“There was nobody with paperwork for him. He says he was told to go away and there would be another court date.”

Addressing Mr Biggam, Sheriff Hamilton said: “With some hesitation, he’ll be allowed bail.”

However, Keen was warned he would be remanded in custody “if there is no report on the next occasion”.

Sheriff Hamilton deferred sentence until March 18 for reports. Bail was continued.

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