A CARER who stole a lady's purse while on the job was told she was too old to be starting a career in crime by a sheriff last week.

Visiting Sheriff Simon Collins QC made the comment to Maxine Peebles when she appeared for sentencing at the town's Sheriff Court on Thursday, January 16.

The court heard the Alloa woman committed the offence on the afternoon of October 2 last year, while she was at The Bobbing John pub with another carer and two service users.

Prosecutor Susannah Hutchison told the court the complainer had been sitting at an adjoining table with her handbag lying nearby.

She said: "During the course of around 40 minutes [Peebles] moved the bag closer to herself.

"She then manages to place the bag close to her before rummaging through it and removing the purse."

The contents of the purse included £100 in cash, several credit and debit cards, a driver's licence, and photographs of sentimental value – none of which was ever recovered.

The complainer noticed her purse was missing shortly after leaving the pub, and informed staff at the venue.

A subsequent check of CCTV showed Peebles, 47, committing the offence, and police managed to trace with the help of IKL Care – the company she was working for and whose uniform she was wearing at the time.

Representing herself in the dock, the accused was asked what she had to say for herself.

She said: "I don't know why I did it.

"I didn't get up in the morning and say: 'I'm going to steal a purse.'

"It was stupid, and I've got no excuse for it at all."

In response Sheriff Collins QC told Peebles: "You've no previous convictions.

"I don't mean to be rude, but it's a little late in life to be starting a criminal life."

He then gave Peebles, of Lomond Road, a fine of £340 – most of which will go to compensate the complainer.

A spokesperson for IKL Care told the Advertiser: "This matter was dealt with in accordance with our regulatory body.

"She [Ms Peebles] was dismissed because of this."