Prison for eBay hair tong thief

McMorrine used work computers to sell the stolen straightners on eBay

A hairdresser has been jailed after stealing almost 1,000 sets of hair straighteners to sell on eBay.

Mark McMorrine, 37, from Lasswade, Midlothian, stole the devices over a two-year spell from salons owned by renowned stylist Charlie Miller.

He sent trainees to unwittingly post the luxury hair irons and fixed the deals on work PCs, making £63,000.

A majority verdict at Edinburgh Sheriff Court found him guilty of theft and fraud. He was jailed for 18 months.

The talented colourist spent the money on expensive cars and a wedding, the court had heard.

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre told him: "You were a valued and trusted employee of Charlie Miller, and you've been convicted of theft and fraud.

I'm glad it is all over and am happy that justice has been done. I feel very sad for him Charlie Miller Hairdresser

"This was a breach of trust."

Scottish hairdresser of the year Charlie Miller, who hired private detectives to uncover the thief, claimed almost £80,000 worth of stock was taken, but prosecutors could not put an exact figure on the amount.

Last month's trial had heard Mr Miller hired detectives after accountants found a massive black hole in stock from two salons in Edinburgh.

McMorrine, who managed the Ocean Terminal salon and worked in the South St Andrew Street branch, tried to pin the blame on other employees when he was told about the missing goods.

But he was using two accounts on the internet auction site to sell GHD products, as well as high-end shampoos and conditioners.

The investigators traced McMorrine because he had used the private number plate of his sports car as a user name.

They discovered he had sold 946 irons between December 2004 and September 2006.

Theft and fraud

Sentencing McMorrine to 18 months imprisonment, sheriff Derrick McIntyre said he had no alternative.

He told McMorrine: "You have been convicted of theft and fraud.

"The time span was two years and the offences took place whilst you were a valued and trusted employee of Charlie Miller.

"This was a breach of trust and such is the nature of the charges and the circumstances surrounding these offences, I take the view that a period of 18 months in respect of each charge is appropriate."

After the verdict, Charlie Miller said: "I'm glad it is all over and am happy that justice has been done. I feel very sad for him."