Dundee shoplifter found with bloodied needle sent to jail

A drug addict who told police he had nothing sharp on him before he was searched was actually hiding a bloodied needle.

Dundee Sheriff Court heard that Brian Moses, 41, of Omachie Place in Wellbank, was approached by officers who told him he was going to be searched.

PC Dean Morris asked him if he had any sharp objects in his possession.

Fiscal depute Kate Irwin told the court that Moses assured PC Morris he did not.

However, the uncapped needle with a small amount of blood in the barrel was found when he was searched.

Ms Irwin said: “The accused was seen by staff in Debenhams in possession of a foil-lined bag and he was followed towards the exit.

“When he got to the security barriers they were activated and he immediately started to run.

“He was stopped by staff and found to be in possession of two polo shirts, valued at £120. They were recovered.

“Property from Sports Direct was also found with tags on them.

“They were worth £50 and they were also recovered.”

Solicitor Billy Rennie told the court Moses had obvious difficulties with drugs and was under the influence at the time.

He added: “He would benefit from some support from the social work team and he also apologises to the police officer.”

Moses admitted that on March 22, at Catterline Crescent, while knowing he was about to be searched, he pretended to PC Morris that he had no sharp objects in his possession when in fact he had a bloodied needle concealed in his jacket, to the danger of the officer.

He also admitted possessing heroin at the same place on the same date, and breaching a bail condition by failing to appear at court on June 5.

Moses also admitted stealing two shirts from Debenhams in Overgate on November 11 last year and stealing a quantity of clothing at Sports Direct, Overgate, on the same date.

Sheriff John Rafferty told Moses there was no alternative to a jail sentence.

He sentenced him to a total of nine months in prison.