Stealing spree by shoplifter

A prolific Perth shoplifter has been locked up meantime to save local businesses from further loss.

A background report has been ordered on Andrew Rattray, of Angus Court, Fairfield, who appeared at Perth Sheriff Court on a catalogue of charges after going on a stealing spree earlier this month.

The 44-year-old first targeted the Crieff Road branch of Tesco on various occasions on October 5, making off with items including a bunch of flowers and a bag.

Depute fiscal Claire Kennedy said she didn’t have information on their value.

A week later he went into the Co-op in Perth Road, Scone, and helped himself to various alcohol and food items, worth just over £9.

None of the goods were recovered.

Rattray went back to the same Tesco outlet in the city on October 13, pinching toys valued at almost £120. They weren’t recovered either.

Alcohol, food and a quantity of meat were then acquired from a Co-op branch in Bridgend, Perth, on October 17 and 18.

Again, none of the stolen items, worth £40, was traced, according to the fiscal.

Finally, on October 21, the brazen thief walked into Tesco in Scone’s Perth Road and exited with more alcohol and booze without paying the £9 bill.

Not guilty pleas were accepted to two further shoplifting charges, said to have taken place at the Co-op branches in West Mains Avenue and Argyll Road in Perth.

Solicitor David Holmes said the court had tried to help his client in February when a Community Payback Order was imposed instead of sending him back to prison.

Stewart told Sheriff William Wood on that occasion:“I need help.

“I really, really want help - and I mean it this time.”

But the order was subsequently revoked and he had only been released from a further jail term on August 9.

“In recent times he has drunk alcohol to excess,” added Mr Holmes“If given custody again, he’s just going to come out with the same difficulties.”

Sheriff Wood agreed to call for another background report but remanded him in custody to“protect”the public.

Rattray will be sentenced on November 13.