Former Peebles Cornet embezzled over £3,000

A former Peebles Cornet who embezzled more than £3,000 from his then employer has been placed on a night time home curfew.
Ewen Young carried the burgh standard in 2011.Ewen Young carried the burgh standard in 2011.
Ewen Young carried the burgh standard in 2011.

Ewen Young – who carried the burgh standard at the 2011 Beltane Festival celebrations – also admitted stealing a quantity of jewellery while acting as the caretaker at Portmore House near Eddleston.

Selkirk Sheriff Court heard this week that the 38-year-old had embezzled £3,389.33 while employed at the historic home between April 1 and August 25 last year.

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Mat Patrick, defending, said that the items of jewellery referred to in the charge had been returned.

He also pointed out that his client had brought the amount of the embezzled sum with him to court to pay as compensation.

Mr Patrick said that Young, who gave an address in Peebles, was now back in full time employment after losing his job, but that his income had dramatically reduced.

However, due to the number of hours he was working, Mr Patrick added that carrying out any unpaid work was not realistic.

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Sheriff Peter Paterson said: “It is definitely clear to me that you have suffered considerably with this, with the loss of your job and with the standing you previously enjoyed in the town.”

The sheriff added: “I am very pleased to hear that you have gathered the funds to pay this sum back.”

Young was given a four months Restriction of Liberty Order between the hours of 10pm and 5am, which allows him to travel to and from his new job in Edinburgh.