Shoplifter must pay back ASDA

An Airdrie man who went on a shoplifting spree because he was going through a “difficult period” has avoided jail.

Paul McLorinan, 25, of Northburn Avenue, began stealing on July 9 last year, when he took clothes from Asda on Coatbridge Main Street.

Days later he returned and stole a quantity of meat.

The value, fiscal depute Flora Walsh told Airdrie Sheriff Court last week, came to £129 and the items were “not recovered”.

Ms Walsh then told the court how McLorinan went back to Asda on July 27 and behaved in a threatening manner.

He shouted and swore, made threats of violence and also homophobic remarks.

On December 13 last year, McLorinan was again in Asda, where he stole a vacuum cleaner, which was recovered.

Ms Walsh added: “He was stopped at the bottom of the travelator by a security guard.”

His shoplifting came to an end on March 29, when he stole a bouquet of flowers from Marks & Spencer on Coatbridge’s Faraday retail park.

Defence lawyer John McDowall said: “He was going through a difficult period. His conduct was disgraceful and he accepts that and apologies.

“He has sorted his life out and is now in full-time employment. He has no drink or drug issues. The whole incident was completely out of character.”

Sheriff Norman MacFadyen told McLorinan: “As far as the charges are concerned, this was a course of conduct and custody has to be of consideration. But I will impose a community payback order.”

McLorinan was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work within nine months, which was reduced from 200 hours because of his early guilty plea.

He was also ordered to pay £129 in compensation to Asda Coatbridge, paying it at £10 per week.