A thief loaded his car with stolen groceries then almost ran over a remonstrating shop worker as he made his getaway.
Former business manager Robert Simmonds made off with more than £80 of goods from the Co-op in Crieff, despite employees surrounding his car, Perth Sheriff Court heard on Thursday.
The 52-year-old of Springhill Road, Glasgow, was described as a ”victim of the recession” when he appeared in the dock for his January 14 crime.
Depute fiscal Nicola Manison said Simmonds had been in the checkout queue with a trolley full of shopping when he suddenly wheeled it out to the car park without paying, getting into his car as staff approached.
Miss Manison said: ”He then drove round the car park the wrong way before continuing on to the main road and out of sight.”
One worker had to leap out of the way as Simmonds drove off.
Simmonds’ solicitor said his client had had steady employment in management until he lost his job two years ago. Since June last year he has been a hire controller, earning significantly less than he used to.
He said: ”It was a moment of madness that caused him to exit the shop. It was an opportunistic theft and, when challenged, he panicked.”
Having originally been accused of driving dangerously, he admitted driving carelessly, and stealing £80.24 of goods from the shop.
Simmonds was fined £1,000 and banned from driving for eight months.