Darvel bus driver stole takings

Nov 6 2009

A BUS driver stole his shift’s takings and then told police he had been robbed in a bid to cover up the theft.

Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard on Monday that 24-year-old Jason Moss used the stolen cash to pay off rent arrears.

Moss – formerly of John Morton Crescent, Darvel, but now staying in Swindon – pleaded guilty to stealing £265 while employed as a driver by Stagecoach, as well as wasting police time.

The offences were committed in January this year.

Stewart McMillan, prosecuting, said that the fares collected by Moss should have been put in a money bag and deposited in a collection chute at the end of his shift.

Instead he had kept the money.

“He claimed he had been robbed and police began an investigation,” said Mr McMillan.

“It is fair to say that police spoke to the now accused and he admitted this matter.”

Graeme Cunningham, defending, said that, although the charge stated that the money had been stolen between January 9 and 11, the cash amounted to one night’s fares.

“He accepted what he did,” said the solicitor.

At the time of the offence Moss had been living with his partner in Darvel and the couple had got into financial difficulties.

Following the offence Moss had been sacked and Stagecoach had deducted £265 from his final wage.

Mr Cunningham said that his client was now living in Swindon with his new partner who was pregnant.

He was now working as a coach driver.

His new job did not involve handling cash and his employers were aware of the court case.

Sheriff Alistair Watson said that he regarded the offences as serious. Although Moss had been charged with theft, he had really committed embezzlement.

Sentence was deferred until December 14 for social enquiry and community service reports.

Moss was released on bail.