UK COMPUTERS STOLEN Man stole computers from kidney dialysis unit - Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser:

Man stole computers from kidney dialysis unit

Aug 5 2009 by Our Correspondent, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

A MAN who stole two computers from the kidney dialysis unit at Monklands Hospital has escaped a prison sentence.

Kevin Gormley was instead ordered to carry out 120 hours of community service for taking the equipment, worth £950, from ward one at the Monkscourt Avenue hospital.

Passing sentence, Sheriff Tom Millar told the 23-year-old: “This was not your finest night, one would have thought – you realise this could have put you in prison for quite some time.”

Fiscal depute Peter Reid told Airdrie Sheriff Court: “Employees were leaving the dialysis unit at 11.15pm and noticed him crouched against a wall of the unit as if trying to hide.

“They asked why he was there and the accused then attempted to leave by the front door. Staff contacted a supervisor.

“It was noticed that the hospital ward was in disarray. Items were scattered on the floor and some were missing, notably the two computers. The accused was stopped outside the hospital. The computers were later recovered.”

Gormley, of Academy Street in Coatbridge, pleaded guilty to breaking into a room at the unit on March 6 and stealing the computers.

Defence solicitor Mrs McLean told the court: “In his explanation of the offence, he says it’s something of a blank to him.

“He doesn’t seem to be a young man who is regularly involved in drug-taking, but on this date, he ended up at an acquaintance’s house in Airdrie and doesn’t remember what was consumed.

“It’s been made clear to him that community service is the only way he’s going to avoid custody.”

Sheriff Millar warned Gormley: “If you commit any offence, it will be a breach and it will come back to us.”