Stirling man jailed for stealing gin from Lidl

Nov 20 2009 by Stephen Robertson, Stirling Observer Friday

A SHOPLIFTER caught red-handed lost the rag when he was challenged on the matter and ended up struggling with staff from a Stirling store.

Stirling Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday how Robbie Robertson (21) was first spotted looking furtive in Lidl in Weaver Row on October 23 of this year.

The court was told that after pocketing several “unusual” items, including a packet of custard cream biscuits, some tinned fish and a bottle of gin, Robertson made off.

But he was quickly nabbed by staff outside.

Fiscal depute Gillian Swannie explained how the situation developed.

She said: “The accused was seen to be acting suspiciously. Observations were taken up on the accused and he was seen walking around the store and placing items, including a tin of fish and a packet of biscuits into the waistband of his jeans.

“He was also seen putting a bottle of alcohol under his jumper and was seen to leave.”

After being followed and challenged by staff, Robertson initially denied stealing anything.

Ms Swannie added that one of the witnesses then placed his hand on Robertson’s wrist to escort him back into the store.

But Robertson pulled away, and in doing so, accidentally revealed the bottle of gin pushed into the waistband of his jeans.

Now realising he had been caught bang-to-rights, Robertson tried to break free but was restrained by the witnesses at the scene.

He then started acting aggressively and shouting and swearing. Police were called and Robertson was lifted.

Robertson, of Newpark Road, Stirling, pleaded guilty to stealing the items – worth a total of £12.91 – while on bail and to the breach of the peace that followed the theft. He also admitted to breaching a previous probation order.

At court on Wednesday, his lawyer Virgil Crawford said that Robertson, who appeared from custody, had difficulty explaining why he had stolen the items, other than the fact that he was under the influence of drugs at the time.

Mr Crawford added: “He accepts that he took the items, was caught and the breach of the peace followed.”

Sheriff Andrew Cubie told Robertson that he had been warned at a previous court appearance back in September that he had to be of good behaviour but had effectively shunned this opportunity only weeks later.

The sheriff then jailed Robertson for eight months, two of which were related to the bail aggravation.

The sentence was backdated to October 26.