Former Saints ace who turned to heroin admits shoplifting
A former St Mirren player who turned to crime after his career was cut short by injury has been nabbed for shoplifting.
Robert McNeil, 41, raided The Range after breaking his leg and becoming hooked on heroin.
He was previously jailed for assault and robbery and being part of a drug dealing gang.
McNeil admitted stealing from the homeware store during a hearing at Paisley Sheriff Court.
Defence lawyer Terry Gallanagh revealed his client had been working to get clean.
He said: “He was a football player with St Mirren and was signed by a professional club in London.
“He had all the trappings of a professional footballer, but he broke his leg.
“He got a payout because of that broken leg and he developed a heroin addiction.
“That said, this wasn’t as a result of heroin, it was etizolam.
“He was given three yellow tablets, he took them, and he woke up in the police station.”
McNeil targeted the shop in the town’s Wallneuk Retail Park on Sunday.
He loaded up on stock but was spotted by staff.
He was quickly detained for the theft and spent the night in a cell.
McNeil appeared in the dock to admit his guilt.
Mr Gallanagh claimed the crook was trying to turn things around.
He added: “He has had an addiction for such a long period of time. He had actually being doing pretty well, that’s why it’s so heartbreaking to see him here.
“I previously thought Robert McNeil was on his last legs, his addiction was at such a level, but he is now presenting the best that he has for some time.”
The former player was earlier placed on a court-ordered rehab programme.
He is due to appear for a progress report later this month.
McNeil broke his leg while playing of London side Leyton Orient.
He was caged for selling crack cocaine to undercover police six years ago
Sheriff Sukhwinder Gill ordered him to behave while awaiting his Drug Treatment and Testing Order review.
McNeil, of Blackhall Street, Paisley, is expected to be summoned back to the dock in the coming weeks.