A holidaymaker has admitted brazenly robbing one of Scotland’s most prestigious retailers.
Hilary Davorn (57) stole high-value clothing from the House of Bruar, near Blair Atholl, before making her escape. She then returned to the scene of the crime, wearing one of the items she took two days earlier.
She was apprehended by police as she strolled around the nearby Falls of Bruar.
At Perth Sheriff Court on Thursday, the offence was described as ”a cry for help” by Davorn’s solicitor.
Though Davorn initially escaped the attention of security staff, the court was told staff discovered a missing pair of ladies boots when closing up on May 11.
A check of the CCTV system revealed footage of Davorn stuffing items into a bag in the men’s and ladieswear departments before placing the bag in the boot of her car. She had taken a hat, a cap, a pair of Ugg boots and a pair of ladies leather boots, with a combined value of over £500.
Two days later, staff spotted the same car in the House of Bruar’s car park and a further review of CCTV showed the accused heading off in the direction of the falls. At the time she appeared to be wearing one of the stolen hats.
Davorn, of Broaddykes Avenue, Kingswells, Aberdeen, admitted stealing a quantity of clothing from the House of Bruar on May 11.
Solicitor Alison Mackay described her client as a ”genuine first offender”, horrified to find herself before the courts.
”She is someone who has had long-term difficulties with anxiety and who has also been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, which for a time left her unable to work,” the agent said.
”She feels that at the time of this offence she was undergoing a personal crisis and she is unable to rationally explain this offence.
”A woman of 57 with no previous convictions would not normally be involved in such an offence. Mrs Davorn has been seeing a clinical psychologist since November 2011 and it is their belief that was a significant cry for help on her part.
”They believe that she was driven to commit this offence and was unable to stop herself, even though she knew it was wrong.”
Mrs Mackay said the suggestion that the crime had been ”a cry for help” was given weight by CCTV footage which she said made it abundantly clear that her client wished to be caught.
”These were not the actions of a professional shoplifter,” she told the court. ”There is no attempt on Mrs Davorn’s part to furtively take these items. It was quite flagrant.
”She can be seen taking the items and she is quite clearly flouting the fact that she is taking them.”
The agent said her client was in full-time employment was in a position to pay a fine.
Depute fiscal Carol Whyte told the court there had been full recovery of the stolen clothing, but that the hat had been ”worn”.
Sheriff Robert McCreadie fined Davorn £450 and ordered her to pay £30 compensation in relation to the hat.