A one-eyed veteran blamed his combat injury for his turning to crime, after he was caught stealing rib steaks from Marks and Spencer.
Former soldier Richard Bekier admitted stealing meat worth nearly £50 when he appeared from custody at Perth Sheriff Court.
Bekier, 44, said he was forced to resort to theft after someone stole part of his benefits while he was out on a training run in preparation for a college fitness course.
Solicitor John McLaughlin, defending, told the court: “He was serving in the army for a considerable period and that is where his enjoyment in fitness comes from.
“Unfortunately, he lost an eye during service and was discharged. That seemed to lead him into a period where he was abusing alcohol regularly and as a result he was getting into trouble.
“There was a period where he was committing one offence after another. That is now behind him. He is not abusing alcohol or drugs and is intending to start and complete this course.
“He has a direction in his life now and this offence was a blip. The problem that led to him stealing meat was that he lost half his benefit money, as someone had taken it.
“He needed £20 to get electricity and had no money, so he took the packets of meat with the intention of selling them to get his electricity back on.”
Depute fiscal Carol Whyte said: “The accused was seen to remove four packets of rib steak and conceal them within his clothing. He was spotted by a member of staff.”
Bekier, from Perth, admitted stealing meat from the Perth High Street store on Wednesday and was ordered to stay out of trouble for 12 months.
Sheriff Simon Bowie QC said: “I am prepared to accept what has been said on your behalf and am willing to look at this as a blip. You should consider yourself lucky.” He told Bekier he was giving him 12 months to prove he was “on a path to better things.”