Man told to go home by police has long record

A man who was pictured being spoken to by Perth police officers about lockdown rules can be revealed as a notorious criminal who featured in a BBC TV documentary series.

Brian Don was caught on film being spoken to by police in Perth as they tried to enforce government advice on social distancing and self-isolation.

Don, a drug addict with a long list of convictions, was seen staggering around Perth High Street as frantic police tried to round up him and several others.

He appeared to be under the influence as he spoke to several officers – who did not have protective masks – for several minutes before moving on.

The officers spoke to Don on Thursday as their powers were ramped up to deal with people who failed to adhere to the nationwide advice.

In a video captured during the incident, another man tells bicycleriding officers he has Covid-19.

A concerned policeman backs away and demands the man return home to self-isolate.

Don’s anti-social behaviour first came to public attention in 2003 when he featured heavily in the BBC documentary Chancers.

Since then, Don, 39, has committed a long catalogue of crimes to fund his unchanged drug habit and has spent numerous periods in jail.

He was jailed for a year recently after he admitted stealing designer pants and fake tan from Debenhams and Boots.

Meanwhile, the roll-out of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to frontline police officers in local divisions across Scotland is expected to get under way today.

More than 630 officers have already received the kit, including FFP3 masks, gloves, boot covers, coveralls and goggles.

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “Our officers are playing a vital role in keeping people safe at this extraordinary time and we want them to have the right protective equipment to enable them to do their jobs with confidence.

“We are working with the Scottish Government and partners, and at a UK level, to ensure required PPE is delivered as quickly as possible.”