Shoplifter hit worker with bottle

A Fife man who attacked a shop assistant after he was caught shoplifting has avoided further jail time.

Kyle Bowes, 25, of Julien Road, Glenrothes, but currently in prison, appeared for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on July 11 at the Co-op in Bank Street, Lochgelly, he stole a quantity of alcohol.

He also admitted assaulting Connor Wilson, who was working in the shop at the time, by brandishing a bottle at him and challenging him to a fight.

Depute fiscal Jennifer Graham said Mr Wilson had been looking at CCTV footage between 6-6.30pm when he saw Bowes putting bottles of alcohol in a bag.

He told a colleague and they followed Bowes to the front of the shop.

Mr Wilson challenged the thief saying: “Where are you going with that?”

Bowes edged closer to the door, brandishing a vodka bottle and then swung it towards the shop worker.

The depute said the value of the alcohol stolen by Bowes was £105.85.

Defence agent David Bell said: “The incident was obviously concerning for those who were simply doing their job.”

Sheriff Pino Di Emidio imposed a community payback order with one year’s supervision and called for a review on July 11, after Bowes’ release from jail, when unpaid work could be considered.