A Dundee man who stole a designer shirt only two days after appearing in court was sentenced to six months in prison.
Steven Greig, 36, also attempted to make off with another two high-end items worth £774 from Threads on Commercial Street.
Appearing at the city’s sheriff court on Saturday, Greig, of Adamson Court, admitted that on Thursday he stole a designer shirt costing £250.
He also admitted removing the security tags and price labels from a Stone Island jacket and Stone Island shirt and attempting to steal them.
Depute fiscal Isma Muktar said: “Around 4.50pm a member of staff at the store saw the accused.
“The member of staff entered the second room area to speak with the male and he noticed a grey Stone Island jacket on the floor.
“The accused said someone had dropped it. The member of staff hung it up and want to serve another customer.”
Ms Muktar said the shop assistant thought it was strange the item had just been dropped as the second room housed the more expensive merchandise.
Greig then left and the staff member found the labels had been ripped off the jacket and a shirt. He reviewed CCTV footage and contacted the police who were dealing with other matters.
Ms Muktar said: “Around 6pm, the member of staff saw the accused standing outside Waterstones. He phoned the police on his mobile and began following the accused.”
Police then traced Greig in Meadowside. He was searched and officers found two labels in his backpack and the £250 Stone Island shirt.
Greig’s solicitor Jim Laverty said his client had left court on Tuesday with instructions to report to the social work offices.
He said he had been on remand and had taken up residence with his wife but the family had not been in receipt of benefits.
Mr Laverty said: “He came upon the idea of shoplifting to, in effect, put food on the table.”
Sheriff Richard Macfarlane sentenced Greig to six months in prison.