Thief left £4000 golf buggy at bottom of quarry

A THIEF stole an electric buggy from a top Lothian golf club and the £4000 vehicle ended up wrecked at the bottom of a quarry.

At Edinburgh Sheriff Court today, 19-year old Robert Henderson was sentenced for stealing the buggy, along with 48 miniatures and 24 chocolate bars, from the starter's hut at Dalmahoy Country Club.

Henderson, of Knightsridge, Livingston, had earlier pleaded guilty to theft, while acting with another, between April 30 and May 1, 2006. The teenager was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.

Fiscal Malcolm Stewart said none of the stolen goods had been recovered. When Sheriff James Farrell asked what had happened to the buggy, Mr Stewart replied: "Unfortunately, it ended up at the bottom of Ratho Quarry."

Defence agent Simon Collins said his client "does show off to friends" when under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Henderson, he said, had been walking home with a friend, who broke into the starter's hut, and they drove off on the buggy.

Henderson had little recollection of what had happened as he had consumed a large amount of alcohol. "It was high jinks, showing off" added the lawyer.