Shoplifting drugs user is locked up

A SHOPLIFTER who also admitted possessing drugs and breaching a bail order has been jailed for more than 10 months.

Steven Stewart, 36, of Strathmore Lodge, Salvation Army, Ward Road, was jailed by Sheriff Lorna Drummond QC at Dundee.

Stewart had previously admitted four complaints involving six charges of possessing drugs, shoplifting and breaching bail.

His lawyer Theo Findlay told the court Stewart had a long-standing drug problem, which was at the root of his offending, and that he had lost the tenancy of his house and became homeless following a period of imprisonment.

He told the court Stewart wanted to deal with his drug problem and asked Sheriff Drummond to impose a noncustodial sentence to allow him to engage with drug agencies.

Sheriff Drummond said several attempts had been made to give Stewart help and a drug treatment assessment had failed in the past.

She told Stewart: “I have to deal with all four complaints together.”

Stewart admitted that on April 22 2017, at Milton of Craigie Retail Park, he possessed cannabis, and that he obstructed PCs Tracey Marsden and Jack Suttie by struggling with them, refusing to open his hand and attempting to put controlled drugs into his mouth.

He further admitted that on August 30 2017, at Marks & Spencer, Murraygate, he stole meat and a bag, while on bail; on September 5 2017, at Tesco, South Road, he stole a TV, while on bail; and on January 12, at police HQ in Bell Street, he possessed heroin. Stewart also admitted that on January 12 he breached his bail curfew by failing to remain in his home between the hours of 7pm-7am.

Sheriff Drummond jailed him for a total of 39 weeks and 48 days.

Steven Stewart was jailed for more than 10 months at Dundee Sheriff Court.