Hungry thief tried to nick other customers’ grub from takeaway shop

Apr 15 2010 Hamilton Advertiser

A HUNGRY thief has earned himself a period in custody after he tried to nick someone else’s delivery at a Hamilton kebab shop last week.

Hamilton Sheriff Court was told on Monday how convicted thug Kevin O’Neill tried to steal a blue bag containing food after he was refused service at the Tandoori Hut in Low Waters Road on Tuesday, April 6.

The 19-year-old, from Silvertonhill Place, had previously tried to buy food at the takeaway, but only had £1 in cash.

The accused had been binge drinking for many days prior to the incident, and claimed to have no recollection of it.

O’Neill pleaded guilty to committing a breach of the peace by shouting, swearing and acting in a disorderly manner at the shop last week.

He also admitted stealing a quantity of food on the same date.

Fiscal depute Cassandra Scott told the court that the thief – under the influence of alcohol – entered the premises at around 7.15pm on the night in question and presented a £1 coin.

He demanded food, said Ms Scott, but was advised by a staff member that there was nothing available for £1.

Ms Scott said that the accused then cursed at the staff member, shouting: “Give me that f***ing kebab meat. I know where you live.”

O’Neill then left, she explained, but returned 10 minutes later when two other customers were present.

He stole a blue bag full of takeaway food that had been sitting on the counter, and attempted to make off with it, only to be apprehended by staff outside.

At this point the police had been called, said Ms Scott.

Defence solicitor Tom Watters confirmed to the court that his client had been at liberty for seven months after spending a period of detention for carrying a blade in public.

O’Neill has a list of other previous convictions that includes breach of the peace, assault to injury, robbery, and assault to severe injury and robbery.

Mr Watters explained that the event had been something of a “drunken venture” and that his client had been hungry following a two- to three-day drinking session.

Despite the incident, said Mr Watters, O’Neill’s intentions were initially to pay.

Mr Watters added that when police officers finally caught up with his client at home two days later, O’Neill accepted that his behaviour had been wrong, despite having no recollection of it.

He also offered to pay for the food he had stolen, failing to realise that he had not escaped with any food, said Mr Watters.

Sheriff David Bicket deferred sentence on O’Neill until April 30.

However, he detained the accused until that date, having refused bail.