Duo deny stealing in shops

TWO LOTHIAN men have denied a spate of shoplifting in Tyndrum and Oban.

Kevin Magee, 45, of 30 Deerhill, Broxburn, pleaded not guilty to stealing three bottles of whisky from the Green Welly Stop in Tyndrum on July 3 when he appeared in Oban Sheriff Court heard on Monday.

Magee and Iain Arthurs, also of 30 Deerhill, Broxburn, further denied shoplifting alcohol, groceries and a TV from Oban’s Tesco store on July 9 and July 23.

Magee denied a fourth charge of possessing a wire- cutter in the supermarket’s car park on July 23 with the intention of committing a theft.

Depute procurator fiscal Jenny Sapiano opposed bail in both cases, pointing to the pair’s previous record of high-value shoplifting far from their home address.

Laura McManus, defending Magee, an unemployed father who suffers from type one diabetes, argued that with his level of care he would be better at liberty than in custody. The court also heard he was concerned custody would prevent him going on a holiday he’d planned with his children in Blackpool.

Ms McManus added that Arthurs, an unemployed 42-yearold, was currently subject to a drug treatment and testing order for heroin addiction.

Honorary Sheriff Muriel Frances Lanos set a trial date for August 17, and granted bail to Magee on medical grounds, and on the condition he does not enter Oban. Arthurs was refused bail.