A Romanian holidaymaker “embarrassed himself and his country” by turning to shoplifting after running out of cash.
Bogdan Apostol, a full-time student, arrived in Aberdeen last week to visit friends.
But, midway through his two-week holiday, the 23-year-old found himself low on funds and attempted to make up the shortfall by stealing from city centre businesses.
He grabbed £133 of goods from Sports Direct and items worth £10 from Debenhams on Thursday, and was apprehended shortly afterwards.
He pleaded guilty to two charges of shoplifting at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday.
Apostol’s solicitor, Kevin Longino, said: “His money ran out and although he was going to ask his family to send him some, he fell into the company of someone who suggested he do this instead.
“Rather than face the embarrassment of asking his family, he made this ill-advised decision.”
Mr Longino added that Apostol, whose address was given in court papers as East Linton near Edinburgh, was a first time offender.
Sheriff Raymond McMenamin admonished Apostol for the crime.
He said: “It is not a good thing to do to come here and to embarrass yourself and your country by behaving like this.
“You have spent a night in custody and you now have a conviction which will follow you about.
“You’re leaving in four days, and in these circumstances, I will consider this matter at an end.”
