Drunken thug locked up for 200 days after hurling Irn-Bru bottles
Man threatened shop workers who caught him stealing
A drunken yob sparked mayhem by chucking bottles of Irn- Bru at store workers during a shoplifting spree.
Andrew Michie, 33, made threats and threw bottles of the fizzy drink at supermarket staff when they caught him stealing alcohol.
Michie appeared from custody at Paisley Sheriff Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to the offences, which happened at Tesco in Glasgow’s Hope Street on May 5.
The accused, of Lilybank Wynd, Johnstone, also admitted a separate charge of public disorder and making homophobic remarks towards police when he was arrested in Paisley on October 10.
The court heard Michie was placed on Community Payback Order, which he had breached, and supervision of the punishment had been transferred to Paisley.
Fiscal depute Hazel Emmerson told the court: “Witnesses working at the locus observed the accused entering the shop.
“He was staggering about and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
“A short time later a witness became aware he was refused the sale of alcohol.
“The witness noticed he picked up two cans of Jack Daniels and cola and a bottle of cider.”
However, Michie “kicked off” when he was challenged by staff for attempting to leave the store after making no attempt to pay for the drinks.
The court heard he began shouting and bawling abuse.
The fiscal added: “He became verbally abusive to a member of staff, saying ‘ I will knock your glasses off.’
“The accused also warned another member of staff ‘ You better watch yourself when you finish your shift.’
“He left the shop and threw bottles of Irn- Bru through the front door. He even attempted to get back in.”
Michie was also under the influence when he was arrested in the town’s Renfrew Road last month and was en route to Greenock Police Station when he made homophobic slurs to cops.
Defence agent Terry Gallanagh said: “The root of all the problems in his offending history has been alcohol and drugs.
“If he has any hope of engaging with the public, as society expects, this requires to be addressed.”
Sheriff Tom McCartney said: “Given your record of previous convictions and your failure to comply with the Community Payback Order, there is no alternative disposal to custody.”
He sentenced Michie to 200 days behind bars.