Tagging order for brazen supermarket thief

Jul 1 2009 by Our Correspondent, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

A BRAZEN thief who blatantly walked out of a Coatbridge supermarket with a trolley packed full of groceries has been ordered to wear an electronic tag.

David Evans was placed on a four-month restriction of liberty order after pleading guilty to the bizarre incident at Farmfoods on the town’s Bank Street.

Fiscal depute Peter Reid told Airdrie Sheriff Court how the 38-year-old had been shopping at the store in the middle of the afternoon on Thursday, March 12.

He continued: “The accused left without playing for £154 of groceries and other items. He was asked to stop by staff but didn’t, and drove away. He was then traced through the vehicle details.”

Defence agent Martin Hughes said: “To describe this as unsophisticated and doomed to failure from the start is an accurate way to view the whole matter.

“He had gone with his partner to the shop and for reasons he can’t fathom, simply walked out.

“The only possible explanation is that he had been drinking the evening before and he thinks he was still under the influence.”

Sheriff Peter Hammond placed Evans on the four-month order which means he must remain at his home in Parkview Avenue, Kirkintilloch, between 8pm and 7am, as well as wearing the tagging device.