Jail ‘only possible option’ for addict who stole from pockets

A heroin addict was jailed for 12 months after a sheriff said the people of Perth had tired of thieves who stole from them to pay for their drug use.

Repeat offender Khai Wishart was caught filling his pockets with wallets, money and mobile phones after sneaking into changing rooms at the city’s Letham Football Club.

He was caught red-handed by a club coach as he ransacked the Seven Acres pavilion on July 28 this year.

Wishart was heavily under the influence of drugs as he rifled through jacket pockets and bags in search of anything of value.

The 30-year-old, of Ballantine Place, attempted to flee when confronted but was stopped by one witness who shouted for help as he attempted to restrain him.

Perth Sheriff Court heard police officers arrived a short time later and recovered a number of items from the accused’s pockets, together with bank notes.

They were so concerned by his condition, however, that he was taken to Perth Royal Infirmary as a precaution, where he was assessed by medical staff before being taken to Perth Police Station.

Wishart subsequently pled guilty to stealing a quantity of mobile phones, a wallet and its contents, a quantity of money and a set of keys from the pavilion in Letham.

He also admitted stealing hundreds of pounds of electricity between January 10 and February 24 last year, having hooked in to a neighbour’s supply.

Finally, he pled guilty to a third charge of being in possession of heroin at his home on February 24 last year.

Wishart has a lengthy and “unenviable” criminal record littered with convictions for shoplifting and theft, many committed to feed his drug habit.

He has received numerous prison sentences as an adult.

In November 2014, he was jailed for 270 days for his part in a £4,000 jewellery raid.

Sheriff Lindsay Foulis said Perth residents deserved to be protected from thieves like Wishart, who see the city as their own personal “treasure trove”.

He said: “People must be protected from addicts who sneak in to rob businesses, shops, leisure centres and the like to see what they can lay their hands on.

“Jail is the only possible option for you.”

Repeat offender Khai Wishart.