Two pensioners who took shoplifting “day trips” claimed they were forced to steal as they didn’t have enough money to live off.
William Wilson, 72, of High Street, and Davina Cowan, 71, of Freuchie Mill, both Freuchie, stated they struggled to live off their pensions, with the former initially believing he could steal from shops if it was OK for celebrities to do so.
He had previously told Perth Sheriff Court that “there are millions of people in our situation who find different ways of making ends meet.”
“I made a decent living from driving lorries until I retired. Now it’s difficult, I have to pay gas and council tax out of £160 per week.”
Wilson had told the court it was hard to get by on his basic state pension.
On Wednesday, his solicitor Sue Williams, said Wilson’s “only excuse” for carrying out the shoplifting crimes was “a lack of money.”
“He believed if it was OK for celebrities to do this, then so should he,” she said.
“It’s difficult to get a reason from my client for the shoplifting but his main excuse is that he feels he doesn’t have enough money to live on. However, I know this would not wash with the court as there are many people like this.”
Ms Williams added: “Basically, he stole foodstuffs, but he has learnt his lesson.”
And solicitor Pauline Cullerton, appearing for Cowan, said her client “struggled” for money after having to give up her job due to a medical condition.
Many people find themselves in financial difficulties but they don’t all take the bus to Blairgowrie to steal.
“My client wanted to steal luxury goods as she claimed she couldn’t afford to pay for them – she has a limited income. However, she is thoroughly embarrassed by this,” Mrs Cullerton said.
Wilson and Cowan both admitted that on March 5 at Semi Chem, High Street, Blairgowrie, they stole disinfectant, chocolates and coffee, and on March 26 at the same shop they stole medication and cleaning products.
And both also admitted that on April 2 at Tesco, Welton Road, Blairgowrie, they stole groceries.
Wilson pled guilty to a further charge that on April 2 he had a lock-knife without lawful authority in Welton Road, Blairgowrie.
Sentencing Wilson, Sheriff Fiona Tait told him: “Many people find themselves in financial difficulties but they don’t all take the bus to Blairgowrie to steal. This wasn’t a one-off incident – you went on day trips to Blairgowrie to steal.”
Wilson was ordered to carry out 120 hours’ unpaid work in the community, while Cowan had her sentence deferred until December 7 to be of good behaviour and to allow her time to save money to pay a fine.
