Fleeing shoplifter stopped in his tracks by passer-by
A serial shoplifter is back behind bars after he was grabbed by a member of the public after stealing from a Dunfermline sports shop.
Graham Philip, a thief with an “appalling” record of previous convictions, was chased by a female shop worker after he stole sportswear.
Philip’s sprint down the High Street was brought to an abrupt halt by a passer-by and he was later found to be in possession of a lock-knife.
Philip (38), now a prisoner at HMP Perth, admitted that on 18th September at JD Sports, Kingsgate Centre, he was in possession of a knife. He also admitted stealing clothing from the store.
When searched by police Philip was found to be in possession of a lock knife with a Stanley blade.
Depute fiscal Sarah Lumsden said that around 1pm an alarm went off in the store.
A female shop worker went to the entrance where a woman pointed to Philip who was standing nearby holding two Adidas tops. He ran off and was pursued by the sports shop worker.
“She was shouting for help as he ran down the High Street and into Douglas Street and a member of the public restrained him,” added the depute.
Philip tried to run away again but once more he was grabbed and taken back to the store where police arrived to detain him.
Philip had only been released from a previous jail sentence the month before.
“He had not received any benefits six weeks down the line and was struggling to support himself,” said defence solicitor Alexander Flett.
Sheriff Craig McSherry told Philip, “You have an appalling record of shoplifting.” He jailed him for 12 months.
