A FORMER Peebles Cornet who embezzled more than £3,000 from his ex-employer has been placed on a night-time home curfew.

Ewen Young, 38, 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, between April 1 and August 25 last year.

Selkirk Sheriff Court was told the sum embezzled was £3,389.33.

Defence Mat Patrick said the items referred to in the charge had been returned.

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

Mr Patrick said Young, who gave an address in Peebles, was back in full-time employment although his income had dramatically reduced.

Yet due to the number of hours he was working, unpaid work was not realistic, said Mr Patrick.

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

"I am very pleased to hear that you have gathered the funds to pay this sum back."

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