Shoplifting spree ruined pair’s lives, court told

‘Stupid mistake’ sees paramedic and nurse lose their long NHS careers

A paramedic and nurse who went on a drunken shoplifting spree have paid with their careers, a court heard.

David Cox, 64, was forced to take early retirement from his job of 27 years as a result of being convicted of dishonesty.

Rhona Findlay, 51, has been told by her union that she will be sacked today when she goes before a nursing disciplinary tribunal.

As well as ending their long NHS careers, the former partners were each fined £900 at Livingston Justice of the Peace Court yesterday.

An earlier hearing was told the couple were caught stealing £800-worth of designer clothes and cosmetics in a shoplifting spree.

They came under suspicion after Cox complained about one of the stores being too warm.

Staff in the MacArthur Glen Designer Outlet in Livingston, West Lothian saw him “sweating profusely” and behaving oddly.

Workers decided to review closed circuit TV footage which clearly showed the couple lifting items off the shelves and stuffing them in bags.

Police were called and a search of the pair’s belongings uncovered items stolen from several shops in the centre.

Cox, from Arbroath and Findlay, a children’s nurse from Monifieth, initially denied six counts of shoplifting.

They changed their plea to guilty on the morning of the trial to three charges of stealing from the Cosmetic Company, Weird Fish Clothing and Skechers shoe store on September 23 last year.

The goods were valued at a total of £822, the court heard and there was full recovery.

Kate Thompson, defending Cox, said he could offer no real explanation as to why the offences took place.

She said: “It appears to have been spontaneous after a couple of drinks with his then-partner.

“In any event, he has behaved in a way which is completely out of character for him.

“As a result of these offences, the consequences have been quite devastating for Mr Cox.

“He lost his career. He simply couldn’t return to that work and as a result of that he has taken early retirement.”

Miss Thompson said the conviction had also had an impact on Cox’s health and he was now being treated by his GP for depression and anxiety brought on by the “great shame and embarrassment” he felt over the incident.

“It’s fair to say that this one-off, stupid mistake has had a long-lasting consequence for Mr Cox,” she added

Craig Scott, defending Findlay, said: “She tells me she realises her life has been ruined as a result of this. So much so that she is even reluctant to go out walking her dog.

“Her formal disciplinary hearing takes place tomorrow and she’s under no illusions she’ll lose her employment. She’s been told that by her union rep.

“It’s clearly had an impact on her and the gravity of it is not lost on her.

“I can say I think Miss Findlay has learned a very, very severe lesson.”

David Cox and Rhona Findlay.