A Take That superfan who embezzled thousands of pounds from a vulnerable pensioner has avoided a jail sentence.
The wacky paint job even attracted the attention of lead singer Gary Barlow who commented on social media prior to group taking to the stage at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow in 2015. McFarlane appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last month to plead guilty to embezzling an amended figure of £4636.82 from Ms Buxton over a four week period in October and November 2021.
Previously the court heard Irene Buxton lived in the capital following the death of her husband and suffered from "mobility and confidence issues" after a fall in 2017. McFarlane, from Eyemouth, Berwickshire, struck up a friendship with Mrs Buxton after the pair met the following year and she began helping out with dog walking duties.