Inverness man jailed after trying to steal bottle of beer
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A prolific shoplifter who sold his haul to feed his addictions had two drug treatment orders revoked and replaced with an eight-month jail sentence after he attempted to steal a bottle of beer.
Inverness 41-year-old Steven Potter, who has been on remand at Porterfield Prison since January 30, appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court to admit the order breaches imposed for six thefts and threatening a Co-op security officer in Church Street on June 23 last year by pretending to throw a bottle at him.
The shoplifting occurred between June 15, 2022 and July 1, 2023 at premises such as the Eastgate Shopping Centre's Boots branch, Marks and Spencer, the Co-op at Milton of Leys, Sports Direct in Academy Street, Ness-side Tesco and Tesco Extra at Inshes.
Sheriff Gary Aitken was told Potter took fragrances, food, clothing and mostly alcohol, totalling over £500.
His crime spree came to an end on January 28 when he tried to steal a bottle of Stella Artois from the Co-op in Church Street at 7.30am.
A member of staff saw him acting suspiciously, challenged him and he produced the article from down his trousers and handed it back.
He was traced, arrested and remanded in custody two days later until sentencing.
Defending, Marc Dickson said: "He has had drug addictions for over 20 years and he invariably was put upon to pay his drug debt and prevailed upon to shoplift."
Sheriff Aitken backdated the custodial sentence to his date of remand.
