Thug jailed after reign of terror in town centre
Yob launches attack on Wilko worker
A woman attempted to rob a 73- year- old pensioner, abused bakery staff and assaulted a shop employee - all within a number of hours.
Jade Nisbet, 30, sobbed in the dock when she appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court last week.
She was jailed for 25 months for her spate of offending on March 22 at Blackfriars Walk, Greggs and Wilko, both on Ayr’s High Street.
Depute fiscal Laurin Campbell described the first charge where Nisbet grabbed hold of her 73- year- old victim’s handbag and demanded she hand it over.
She said: “The witness, aged 73, was out to get shopping and attend a yoga class.
“She was walking along with several bags and felt someone tugging from behind.
“She turned around and saw the accused who said: ‘ Give me your bag, give me your bag’.
“The witness did not let go but whilst pulling at the bag and was shouting for help.”
The court heard another witness walking by came to the aid of the 73- year- old and said to Nisbet “I know you- give her the bag.”
Nisbet made off and the pensioner attended her class, where she spoke to other members who urged her to report the matter to the police.
The woman was able to positively identify Nisbet from a photo sheet and the handles of her bag were taped which had Nisbet’s DNA on them.
A short time later on the same day, Nisbet behaved in a threatening or abusive manner at Greggs on Ayr’ High Street by shouting, swearing, uttering threats and offensive remarks.
Ms Campbell said: “A witness at Greggs, who is the supervisor of the shop, saw the accused leaning on the counter and falling asleep.
“The accused was attempting to open the charity box.
“She told the witness to get her a pineapple tart and sausage roll. “She said she had no money. “She eventually got money from the window cleaner.
“The accused then said to the employee ‘ see there’s plenty of decent folk. I hope I meet you in the f*** ing street.’
The court heard the supervisor then pushed the panic button for assistance.
Nisbet said “go ahead, push the panic button, I’ll wait for the police”, and told the supervisor to f*** off.”
The Greggs worker ushered Nisbet out of the eatery and was said to be left shaken up by the incident and intimidated by Nisbet’s behaviour.
Nisbet then moved on to Wilko where she assaulted an employee who suspected she was shoplifting.
Ms Campbell said: “The witness stopped the accused and stood in the way of the accused preventing her from leaving.
“Nisbet was adamant she was leaving and pushed the witness with both hands causing her to fall backwards.”
Solicitor Tony Currie said id Nisbet recognised she faced only nly one disposal and that she showed ed “clear shame” of her conduct that hat day.
Mr Currie said: “She has battled ed with addiction over many years ars and describes this period as s a particular low period.
“She describes it as the lowest point she has reached.
“Unfortunately she has no recollection of these matters.
“These events are separated by no more than about 35 minutes.
“She presents, when sober, as someone who has genuine concern to try and improve her circumstances and get help.
“She has re- engaged with her family and the hope is that when she is able to return she will go reside back with family.
“She is grateful that fortunately, particularly in respect of charge one, no injuries were sustained.
“And perhaps surprisingly the complainer felt able to go about her daily business.
“It was very distressing but she is genuinely apologetic and appreciative of the significance of this.”
Sheriff John Montgomery jailed Nisbet for a total of 25 months.
He said to Nisbet: “You have properly recognised that only custody is appropriate.
“That should give you sufficient time to detox but also for appropriate treatment and guidance so that when you are released you are drug free and, hopefully, remain drug free for the rest of your life.”