A pickpocket who robbed several people at a festival was described as “like something out of Fagin’s kitchen.”
As he addressed Alexandru Goldbraun, Sheriff Robert McCreadie made reference to the master of thieves character from Charles Dickens’ classic Oliver Twist.
The 23-year-old repeatedly dipped into the pockets of revellers at the T in the Park festival while their attention was diverted by the musical performances.
Perth Sheriff Court heard how he amassed hundreds of pounds worth of cash and valuables, including mobile phones, driving licences and tickets to the annual event.
However, unknown to Goldbraun, officers from Tayside Police had been warned to look out for the vehicle he was travelling in.
Depute fiscal Stuart Richardson told the court: “Eventually the car was spotted parked and unattended in Kinross. Police officers were deployed to keep a watch on it.”
In the early hours of July 9 the accused was seen returning to the vehicle carrying a black rucksack.
He was approached by police constables and advised that in light of information they had received, a search would be carried out.
Goldbraun’s bag was emptied and his stolen loot was uncovered, with the unfortunate owners eventually traced so their lost items could be returned.Close-up theft”It appeared that the way of committing the thefts was to move up close to people standing at the stage listening to music and, while they were paying attention to the music, removed items from their person.”
Defence agent David Sinclair said his client had travelled from his home in Dagenham as a friend had promised him a short-term job.
Goldbraun had supposedly been given the opportunity to do a few days’ work painting and decorating in Edinburgh but when he arrived he was told that it was no longer available.
“Without a job that had been lined up for him, he decided to head to Kinross for the T in the Park festival, which he was aware was taking place,” said Mr Sinclair.
“He tells me that although he did not have tickets, he did have the money to buy briefs being sold by touts. My client and his friend got into the event but became separated and Goldbraun got himself drunk.”
The solicitor said it was while under the influence of alcohol the accused discovered his pickpocketing ability.
Sheriff McCreadie said he did not believe a word of Goldbraun’s explanation. He said: “I am too old to be taken in by this it just doesn’t add up.
“That kind of serial offending is suspicious in the context where it occurred.”
The accused, of Ballards Road, Dagenham, admitted that on July 8, at the festival he stole a wallet containing a Bank of Scotland bank card, £130, a £40 beer voucher and a pair of Rayban glasses, as well as stealing a white Blackberry mobile phone from another festival-goer and £90 in cash, a bank card and a provisional driving licence from a third victim.
He also admitted a further three thefts on July 9, which saw him take a Blackberry Curve mobile phone, a wallet containing £145 in cash and card, as well as another containing miscellaneous cards, £10 in cash, a T in the Park ticket, a drivers licence and three Bank of Scotland cards.
Goldbraun was jailed for six months.