A serial thief has been jailed after he told a mourner he needed a lift to the hospital because his girlfriend was in labour – and then stole her handbag.
Alexander Murison, 48, prayed on the good nature of the woman, who was going to a funeral later in the day, and swiped her handbag while sitting in the back of her car.
Fiscal depute Lynzi Souter told Aberdeen Sheriff Court the woman’s purse contained £90 in cash along with bank cards.
She said Murison approached the woman, who had a friend with her, on August 2.
Mrs Souter said: “He stated he needed a lift to the hospital as his girlfriend had just gone into labour.
“She agreed and the accused sat in the rear of the car.
“She drove towards the maternity hospital and parked in Cornhill Road near the entrance. She got out to help the accused out of the back of the car.
“At this time she noticed that the accused had put her jacket on and she challenged him about that and he gave it back.”
Mrs Souter said the woman’s friend told her Murison had his hand in her handbag, but when she called after him he denied having the bag.
Murison, of Aberdeen, admitted stealing the bag as well as three charges of theft, seven of shoplifting, three of fraudulently using bank cards and one of attempting to steal a charity collection tin.
Defence solicitor George Mathers acknowledged his client had an “absolutely horrific” record, and committed offences “impulsively” when he saw an opportunity.
Sheriff Ian Wallace jailed Murison for a total of 12 months and four days, and told him: “Not only did you steal but you also exploited other people’s trust and kindness.”
