A THIEF who stole hundreds of pounds worth of merchandise from a Greenock supermarket told police he had ‘done wrong’ as a result of taking ‘acid’, the sheriff court has heard.
Andrew Derrick, 29, pleaded guilty to stealing a quantity of clothing, toys, candles, perfume and toiletries – to the value of £371 – from Tesco on Dalrymple Street.
He entered the store at around 6:30am on March 11 and was observed travelling to the upper level.
Derrick, who is today beginning a prison term, was then seen making his way around the shop while placing items into a basket and also two bags which he had with him.
A fiscal depute told the court: “The accused proceeded to the front of the store, past the check out and payment points, making no effort to pay for the items.
“Staff members stopped the accused. He attempted to leave, however, he was restrained.”
Police were contacted by staff and arrived a short time later.
Derrick, of Arran Avenue in Port Glasgow, was arrested, cautioned and charged by officers, before replying: “I know I’ve done wrong, but I’ve taken acid.”
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Defence solicitor Amy Spencer said her client had ‘limited recollection’ of the incident.
Ms Spencer added: “It’s safe to say he couldn’t have made it more obvious.
“He was immediately detected. He was followed around the store. He was in a state of intoxication.
“Mr Derrick is a man who has suffered addiction problems. Ordinarily, when he is not intoxicated, he is not offending.”
Sheriff Sheena Fraser told Derrick: “You have an appalling record. There are a number of previous convictions.
“You have been to jail before for similar behaviour.
“You should have learned your lesson but clearly haven’t.”
Sheriff Fraser sentenced Derrick to 11 weeks in custody, backdated to March 12 – when he was remanded in custody following the incident.
Derrick had also been charged with assaulting a Tesco employee by repeatedly pushing him on the body and attempting to bite him on the body.
His plea of not guilty to this charge was accepted by the Crown.
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