An Angus drug addict has been jailed for posing as a pensioner’s granddaughter before stealing his medication.
Nicola Cargill (26), a prisoner at Ratho House in Edinburgh, had previously admitted robbing the 69-year-old man at Boots in Arbroath, on September 19.
Abroath Sheriff Court heard that Cargill approached the frail man, who requires the aid of a walking stick, and offered to help him with his shopping.
Depute fiscal Arlene Shaw said: ”The two of them went to Superdrug where the complainer purchased items including shower gel and Nicorette patches. They then went to Boots chemist where the complainer had to pick up a prescription.”
The man had to steady himself as he entered the store, with Cargill holding on to his arm to assist him. After approaching the sales counter, she introduced herself as the man’s granddaughter and was provided with his medication.
As they went to leave the shop together, Cargill turned and ”snarled” at the man, before attempting to grab his two bags.
Ms Shaw said: ”The complainer tried to keep hold of his bags. However, he lost balance and required to steady himself. The accused took the bags from him and made off out of the store.”
Members of the public heard the man shouting ”get off me and let go of my bags” during the struggle in the shop. Cargill was seen to leave the store and immediately get into a taxi.
The police were contacted and, following enquiries with the taxi firm, it was found the attacker had gone back to Superdrug, where she exchanged the stolen goods bought previously for a £19.96 refund.
Officers traced her by 7.35pm that evening and during an interview she said: ”I swear there was a reason. It wasn’t just any ******* robbery.”
Ms Shaw read aloud desperate claims made by the thief that the man had attempted to solicit her services as a prostitute and had touched her bottom. Analysis of CCTV footage later showed the claims were totally unfounded and Cargill’s defence agent Bob Bruce said she now accepted these were false.
”At no point was the complainer touching the accused at all,” said Ms Shaw.
Cargill has a serious drug habit and is on a methadone prescription. Mr Bruce said his client was ”gutted with herself”, adding that she had now shown ”adequate remorse”.
He went on to explain that Cargill had had a troubled upbringing and had lived a ”rootless life” between prison sentences.
Sheriff Kevin Veal said: ”I have to recognise the serious nature of the complaint and the fact that there are 45 previous convictions.”
Cargill was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment backdated to September 20 and will be placed under a supervision order for 12 months after her release.