Thief was scared to go home

Dec 14 2012 by Colin Rutherford, Kilmarnock Standard

A man slept rough because he was scared to go home, Kilmarnock Sheriff Court was told.

Gary Anderson (36), of Morris Crescent, Hurlford, pleaded guilty to stealing DVDs from Tesco on December 8.

Solicitor Gillian Swanney said Anderson had a home but “he is in fear of going back to that address”.

She said: “He has been in a relationship with a female who advised him she was single. It transpired she is not. He was assaulted as a result.”

Anderson was granted bail the previous Friday after admitting another shoplifting charge but had not gone home.

“He slept rough,” said Ms Swanney. “After experiencing 24 hours of being homeless he carried out this offence. “It was a cry for help.”

She said Anderson wanted to get out of Kilmarnock and asked Sheriff Elizabeth McFarlane to give him bail so he could present himself as homeless in another area.

But the sheriff said: “I generally don’t give people subject to two bail orders granted so recently a third chance.”She remanded Anderson in custody until January 4 for reports.