A 54-YEAR-OLD man posed as a Good Samaritan offering help when a motorist’s car would not start in Dalgety Bay.

However, Richard Moore’s “particularly mean” plan was to help himself to the man’s wallet, which had been placed on the car roof.

Moore, of Melville Gardens, Burntisland, appeared in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on July 19 last year, at Regents Way, Dalgety Bay, he stole a wallet and its contents.

He also admitted that on the same day in High Street, Burntisland, he was in possession of diamorphine and diazepam.

Depute fiscal Amy Robertson said a man had driven to his local shops and on going back to his car, put his wallet and mobile phone on the roof after the vehicle would not start.

Moore appeared on the scene, offering his assistance to get the car started then shortly afterwards the man noticed his wallet was missing.

Moore denied he had taken it but was seen acting suspiciously by a witness who watched him putting items in a bin before getting on a bus.

She contacted the police and officers found the wallet and ID cards in the bin.

Moore was then stopped getting off the bus in Burntisland and when searched was found to have drugs on him.

Defence solicitor Gwen Haggerty said: “He has no explanation other than it was opportunistic and he regretted it immediately. He presents as being ashamed of his behaviour.”

Sheriff Robert More told Moore: “This theft was a particularly mean and surreptitious crime.” He imposed a fine of £130.