A DISGRUNTLED worker broke into his employer's premises and stole £5,000 worth of tools and mechanical equipment in a dispute over unpaid wages, Jedburgh Sheriff Court has been told.

Gary Clark, 37, of Burn Wynd, Jedburgh, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened at the outbuildings owned by Joseph Daley at Newlands Farm, Denholm, between September 14 and 20.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said: "He was working at this particular location and had fallen out with the owner of the premises.

"He felt there was money due to him and took the opportunity to remove the tools to the value of £5,000.

"He implied a different person was involved but further enquiries revealed it was him and there was a full recovery."

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said: "He was working for the man mentioned in the complaint.

"He and another man came up with this scheme as they had not been paid and still have not.

"They reckoned they were due £1300 each in wages which had not been paid.

"They came up with the plan to force the man to pay the wages.

"But it lacked foresight as it was a criminal act."

Sheriff Peter Paterson said the offence would normally merit a custodial sentence.

But he took into account the circumstances behind the offence and the fact there was full recovery.

Instead, he deferred sentence for good behaviour until November 29 to monitor the progress of Clark's sentence of 150 hours unpaid work for another offence.