A ROBBER who stole cash from a number of bank machines has been spared jail after keeping his nose clean following the raids.

Scott Brown, 46, returned to court for sentencing after raiding ATMs across Ayr while suffering addiction issues.

Brown, of Cross Gait, Ayr, admitted resetting a bank card obtained through theft by housebreaking on October 15, 2020.

He then forced open a lockfast ATM machine on the same date and stole stole a sum of cash at the Tesco on Whitletts Road.

Brown then struck again, raiding a n ATM machine at the Natwest on Miller Road on January 8 last year.

He later raided a Santander machine, before taking more cash from a Barclays ATM.

When he appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court last week [Thursday, November 17] Sheriff Mhairi MacTaggart heard Brown had demonstrated good behaviour while awaiting sentencing.

Defence wolicitor Tony Currie told Sheriff MacTaggart: “In fairness, he has a prolific record. If there was any further offending you would have heard about it.”

Mr Currie added: “He very much welcomes the opportunity to be on a community payback order.”

Sheriff MacTaggart said: “Mr Brown, I took a chance on you, and in many ways I’m glad I did, though it’s not been perfect.

“You are starting to take control. You need some structure to your day.”

Brown was placed on a community payback order for 18 months and will have to undertake 100 hours of unpaid work.

Any information on criminality in the area can be reported to Police Scotland on 101.

In an emergency always dial 999.