A CROOK who laundered more than £27,000 stolen from a pensioner has avoided a jail sentence.

Tony Walker was cleared of being involved in taking money from the 79-year-old woman's internet bank account.

But three payments totalling £27,100 were paid into an account set up by Walker. He claimed the money was for building work carried out by Tony Walker’s Builders.

Walker took out the money in cash and then visiting a number of currency shops in Glasgow and bought US dollars.

But, the 29-year-old, of Hawick Street, Yoker, was snared after the pensioner noticed money had gone missing.

HMRC records show that Walker’s income for 2016 was £5321.50 and just £25.20 the following year.

Sheriff Martin Jones QC told Walker he was “lucky he wasn’t going to jail.”

Walker was put on a community payback order for three years and ordered to carry out 250 hours unpaid work.

He will also be under curfew from 9pm to 7am for three days a week and 7pm to 7am for the rest of the week.

Walker pleaded guilty in September to acquiring criminal property and money laundering.

His victim was reimbursed by the bank.

Read more: Yoker's Tony Walker admits receiving £27k stolen from pensioner

On Thursday, defence solicitor Bob McCormack said Walker was “genuinely remorseful.”

He added: “Mr Walker is a person who has turned himself around.

“There has been no attempt to involve himself with the people involved and he has made progress to distance himself.

“He received £1,500 to £2,000 for his involvement.”

Walker has a previous conviction for dangerous driving.

Sheriff Jones said: “You have reached the threshold for custody but I can’t ignore the fact the offence took place three years ago.

“You are lucky you aren’t going to jail and the only reason you are not going to prison is due to the age of the offence.

“Be under no illusion, if you breach the order you will be sent to prison."