Prolific shoplifter sent to prison

A PROLIFIC shoplifter who targeted businesses across Glasgow has been sent to prison.

David McLaughlin, of Wynford Road, Maryhill, stole items from a number of shops between January, last year and March.

When he was challenged about the thefts on two occasions, he lashed out at shop assistants and even spat on a police officer, despite know- ing he was suffering from an infectious disease.

McLaughlin, 48, shoplifted a number of items during his spree, taking everything from confectionary, aftershave, candles and designer handbags.

On January 16, last year, he entered TX Maxx on Argyle Street and stole a quantity of handbags, worth around £890.

In the months later he stole aftershave from Blue Inc in St Enoch centre, a quantity of candles from Clinton Cards and confectionary from a Newsbox on Abercrombie Street.

When the shop assistant challenged him, the persistent shoplifter seized and pushed him to the body.

A year later, on March 21, he entered Jack Wills on Buchanan Street and attempted to steal a fleece worth £64.

After he was caught he began shouting and swearing and struck a shop worker on the body before hitting him with a can of lager he had in a plastic bag.

When police arrived, he spat at one officer while knowingly suffering from an infectious disease.

McLaughlin appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court after pleading guilty to the offences.

He was sentenced to 24 months in prison for a “prolific” number offences.