A yob “inspired” by TikTok videos about shoplifting has been handed unpaid work after threatening to stab an Aberdeen shop worker.
Jack Smith became violent when approached by an employee at Sainsbury’s on Holburn Street, swinging a punch at him and threatening to stab him.
The 28-year-old was cleared of a shoplifting charge, but Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard he had been “inspired” by videos on popular social media app TikTok, in which individuals go into shops and steal alcohol.
Employee punched in face
Fiscal depute Kirsty Martin told the court: “The witness was working on the shop floor at Sainsbury’s Local on Holburn Street.
“He approached the accused regarding an unrelated matter, and the accused threatened the witness, stating something similar to ‘do you want to get stabbed?’ or ‘you’re going to get stabbed’, and made a stabbing motion towards the witness’ abdomen.”
It was noted that Smith did not have anything in his hand at the time.
Ms Martin added: “The accused thereafter punched the witness with a closed fist, making contact with his cheek.”
Smith admitted a charge under the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Act 2021, of assaulting the shop worker.
‘Green shoots of recovery’
He also admitted breaching an antisocial behaviour order, but the Crown accepted a not guilty plea to a third charge of theft of a bottle of alcohol from the store.
Defence agent Alex Burn said his client had been “inspired” after watching TikTok videos in which people go into shops and steal things.
He said Smith’s offending was largely the result of “substance misuse and a bad attitude”, adding that he came from a “particularly troubled background”.
However, the solicitor said Smith was now engaging with support and refraining from offending, and that there were now “green shoots of recovery”.
Sheriff David Hall ordered Smith, of Lorne Buildings, Aberdeen, to complete 160 hours of unpaid work.
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