Struggling OAPs went on Blair theft spree

A pensioner travelled by bus to Blairgowrie on a shoplifting spree because he didn’t have enough money to live on.

And a lawyer for the 72-year-old former lorry driver said his only excuse seemed to be: “If it’s OK for celebrities to do this sort of thing, why shouldn’t he?”

William Wilson embarked on a string of thefts from shops in the east Perthshire town along with 71-year-old friend Davina Cowan.

He claimed he made a “decent living” until he retired from his driving job eight years ago.

But he added: “Now it’s difficult. I have to pay gas and council tax out of £160 a week.”

His co-accused also “struggled for money,” according to Perth lawyer Pauline Cullerton.

She had to give up her employment two years ago because of her medical condition. But Sheriff Fiona Tait wasn’t impressed. She told the pair when they appeared in the dock at Perth Sheriff Court: “There are many people who find themselves in financial difficulties but they don’t take the bus to Blairgowrie on three occasions to steal.”

The two OAPs admitted stealing disinfectant, chocolate and coffee from Semi Chem in High Street, Blairgowrie, on March 5.

The items, valued at just under £9.50, weren’t recovered.

Three weeks later, they returned to the same shop and helped themselves to medication and cleaning products, worth £7.

Again, there was no recovery, according to depute fiscal Rebecca Kynaston.

Then, on April 2, the pair targeted the Welton Road branch of Tesco and made off with almost £120-worth of groceries, £60 of which were recovered.

Wilson also admitted a fourth charge of having a lock knife in his possession in Welton Road on April 2.

When interviewed by police, he said: “I was not of the belief it was a weapon. I used it for work.”

Solicitor Sue Williams described the blade of the weapon as “very short.”

He used it to help his daughter at her livery stable, opening bales and feed bags.

The lawyer added: “His only real excuse (for the shoplifting) seems to be his lack of income. It’s all related to the fact he doesn’t have enough money to live on. He’s pretty much on a basic pension.

“There are many people living on that amount of income and he will have to live within his means.”

The haul of groceries from Tesco was “all basic foodstuffs,” with the exception of a bottle of wine.

But she added: “He doesn’t drink - and can’t afford to. “He’s learned his lesson.” Ms Cullerton said her client was a first offender and added: “She’s thoroughly embarrassed appearing before the court at her age.”

The shoplifting offences were described as “isolated incidents” and the accused was now receiving pension credits.

Cowan, of Freuchie Mill, Cupar, had her sentence deferred until December 7 for her good behaviour.

She was also told to save up £80 to compensate the shopkeepers for their loss and also to pay a fine.

Wilson, of Fraoch Cottage, High Street, Freuchie, was told his position was “more serious” because of the knife offence.

He was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work within the next six months.