An Arbroath addict was “forced” to steal more than £300 of toys and food from a busy supermarket or his family would have been attacked, a court heard.
Connor McGregor, 28, appeared from custody at Dundee Sheriff Court after being detained by shop staff at Tesco on Cairnie Street.
He concealed items including razor blades and household goods on his person but did not leave the shop, McGregor adamantly declared to the court.
It was explained frequent offender McGregor was not stealing to fund his drug habit but to pay off a substantial debt.
The court heard he had been “badly” beaten earlier this week and was hoping to go to Ninewells for an operation to his nose, which had been broken during his assault.
Depute fiscal Emma Farmer confirmed McGregor had been apprehended before leaving the store and the value of the goods totalled £310.
‘Badly’ beaten in assault
Defence solicitor John Boyle, in mitigation for McGregor, told the court: “These actions are obviously the result of a drug addiction.
“Unlike previous convictions, this offence was carried out to pay off a debt.
“There were threats to family members made and the people he owed money to said if he carried out the theft he would have £500 removed from his debt.
“He was assaulted last Saturday…”
At this point an agitated McGregor shouted from the dock “badly”, interrupting his own defence.
Mr Boyle continued: “He was badly assaulted in connection with the debt.
“He is to attend Ninewells this week to fix a broken bone in his nose.”
‘Hiya’
Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown deferred sentence to January 19 and transferred the case to Forfar Sheriff Court on January 19.
As she did so, McGregor announced he recognised Sheriff Martin-Brown from her time at Forfar court, before shouting “hiya”.
McGregor, of North Grimsby, Arbroath, admitted stealing food, toys, household items and razor blades from Tesco on December 6, while on a bail and undertaking order.
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