A north-east man has admitted stealing from a convenience store just 27 minutes after being released from custody.
Keiran Paul McLean stole almost £40 worth of goods from the Spar shop on Prince Street in Peterhead on Wednesday.
The crime happened less than half an hour after the 23-year-old walked free from the court building on the town’s Queen Street.
McLean confessed to stealing a quantity of meat and a soft drink while on bail during an appearance at Peterhead Sheriff Court yesterday.
Fiscal depute Katie Murray told the court said it happened a matter of minutes after he left the cells.
She said: “The accused was released at 1.28pm and the incident occurred at 1.55pm.
“Around £38.55 worth of goods were stolen and only £1 was recovered.”
Defence agent Stuart Flowerdew said the entire incident was “fairly extreme” and believed McLean had been frustrated at comments made by Sheriff Christine McCrossan following an appearance in the dock.
He said McLean also refused to speak to the court social worker.
Mr Flowerdew added: “After he went from the court room and down to the cells, Mr McLean appears to have taken umbrage at something My Lady had said. This appears to have brought him down.
“He is telling the social workers he is not struggling with drugs and financial issues when he actually is.
“He refused to speak to Mr Roberts and within 27 minutes he was committing further offences. He was taken into custody at 2.30pm.
“His intention is to leave Peterhead immediately.”
Sheriff McCrossan advised McLean it was best if he made his way out of town and added: “I will defer this on the basis you take yourself right now on a bus and out of Peterhead.”
McLean, whose address in court papers was given as Brickfield Court, Stonehaven, will return to the court for sentencing in December.
