Man who threatened shop workers is jailed

AMAN who stole boxes of chocolate from a petrol station went on to threaten members of staff by telling them “I’m coming back to get you”. Gary Doyle was sentenced to four months in jail after appearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday.

The 42-year-old, of Pollokshields, pleaded guilty to stealing three boxes of chocolate from the M&S store at the BP Garage on Pollokshaws Road on March 9.

He also admitted behaving in a threatening and abuse manner towards employees in the store, gesturing he had a weapon, and struggling with police officers.

The procurator fiscal depute told the court: “At 5.10pm witnesses within the petrol station saw the accused acting suspiciously within the shop.

“They looked at CCTV and saw him placing two boxes of chocolate within a carrier bag. They saw him place another box of chocolate into his bag.

“He attempted to leave without paying for the items. He was stopped by the shop assistants and started to become aggressive.

“He stated, ‘you’re getting it’, I’m coming back to get you’, and asked them what time they finished their shifts.

“He then refused to leave the store and put his hands into his pocket gesturing that he had a weapon on him. He was asked by the witnesses if he had anything on him and he replied, ‘aye, I do’. He was asked to leave.

“He kicked a nearby sign within the store entrance and walked out. Police were contacted thereafter. When officers arrived, they found the accused on the ground with an employee restraining him and struggling to hold him.

“Officers took over and attempted to place handcuffs on the accused, but he continued to struggle, attempting to get up and run away. He was tensing his arms resisting arrest.”

Doyle’s solicitor explained that the reason for the theft was because it was Doyle’s son’s birthday.

He added: “He was intoxicated at the time – a combination of drink and drugs. It is his position that he still requires assistance to deal with these issues. He appreciates he has had attempts to do that previously and has nobody else to blame but himself.

“He told me his reaction was because the shop assistant laid hands on him. However, the situation was instigated by him. In terms of disposal, he will accept any help that he can be given.”

Sheriff Mary Shields told Doyle: “I’m very sad to see you in court, particularly in these circumstances. I’m told this type of offending is relatively new for you.

“I agree and accept that you need help and assistance but very recently there has been a lot of help and assistance. I accept you have a difficult addiction. I don’t underestimate how hard it is having to address an addiction like that, but, your behaviour can’t be accepted or tolerated.”