Man who missed father’s funeral after shoplifting football shirt jailed for 15 months

A FOOTBALL fan who missed his father’s funeral after being caught stealing a strip has been sent to prison for 15 months.

Robert Lomas was arrested after being spotted by staff at Sports Direct and was kept in custody while the family funeral was taking place.

Lomas was jailed for six months for that offence and a further nine months for other shoplifting offences when he appeared at Perth Sheriff Court. Sheriff William Wood told Lomas: “It is slightly depressing that you seem to be better off in prison in terms of health, diet and detox than you are when you are at large.

“The public needs to be protected and there is only one option, which is to impose a custodial sentence upon you.”

The court was told drug addict Lomas, 40, was seen acting suspiciously by staff at the Perth branch of the sports shop.

When they tackled him a club strip fell out of his jacket and other items were then discovered during a search. Lomas admitted stealing a quantity of sportswear from Sports Direct on January 25.

Fiscal depute Robbie Brown told the court: “He was seen in the shop by members of staff at 11.30 am. He was known to staff and they were keeping a watch on him.

“They were suspicious and stopped him. A football strip fell out of his jacket. Other items were concealed.”