Drug addict subjected pensioner to robbery ordeal for sake of £5

A drug addict left a 75-year-old woman terrified after stealing her purse which contained just £5.

Michael Burza appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court yesterday and admitted robbing his victim at the Kingdom Shopping Centre in Glenrothes on March 12.

The 33-year-old approached his victim from behind as she went down a set of stairs and grabbed the purse out her left hand.

The court was told the OAP believed she would be “dragged down the stairs” if she did not let go of it.

The police were called and were told that the stolen purse contained a £5 note and some loose change.

Burza, who has spent time in the state hospital, Carstairs, was spotted on CCTV a short time later and apprehended by police officers.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said: “At 12.50pm, CCTV saw a person matching the description of the accused walking into the Dovecot area. Police officers on cycle patrol made contact with the accused who immediately became extremely nervous and agitated.

“They carried out a search and a £5 note was recovered. He was thereafter arrested and commented ‘You have the evidence in your hands’.

“He indicated that he put the stolen purse in a bin which was then recovered.”

She added: “He later said ‘I’m sorry. It will never happen again. I really feel for her’.”

Burza was brought into the courtroom shouting and swearing before calling Sheriff James Williamson “pal”.

He received a stern telling off for his behaviour and had sentence deferred until July 2 for reports.