A “desperate and shaking” drug addict who robbed a Dundee pharmacy brandishing a hammer fled the scene on a BMX bike, a court has heard.
Nicholas Ovenstone apologised to shocked employees at the Arbroath Road chemist before fleeing with 10 boxes of drugs including diazepam and temazapam.
Depute fiscal Vicki Bell told Dundee Sheriff Court: “The pharmacy assistant was working at the customer desk when the accused walked in and approached her whilst carrying a black-coloured bag.
“He was wearing a dark-coloured hooded top with the hood up and a light-coloured piece of clothing around the lower half of his face. As he approached her he said ‘I’m here to rob you’.
“Initially she thought it was a joke and simply laughed at him.
“The accused again stated ‘I’m here to rob you’ and began to rustle the black bag in his hands.
“She stared at him and he removed a hammer from the bag and stated ‘I want diazepam, temazepam, Pre Gabalin 300s, methadone and all the cash from the till.’
“He held up the hammer in a threatening manner towards her and stated ‘I mean it, I really mean it’.”
Other employees heard his comments and a member of staff went to the dispensary and placed 10 boxes of prescription medicines into his bag.
Miss Bell said: “The accused apologised to the staff stating that he was sorry but that he was desperate and was shaking at the time.
“He then pointed the hammer at the staff member and asked for the cash from the till, but she did not answer him or move.
“She told the accused that she thought he had had enough and wanted him to leave.
“The accused turned round and walked out of the locus. He was seen to get on to a small BMX type bicycle and ride off eastwards.”
Ovenstone was later traced on Kemnay Place on a bicycle and holding a black bag and claw hammer.
The officer pulled alongside him and instructed him to stop. He was asked if he knew why he had been stopped and he replied: “Because of what’s in the bag.”
Ovenstone, 35, of Soapwork Lane, admitted robbing a member of staff at the MacFarlane’s Pharmacy on Arbroath Road of prescribed medication and presenting a hammer at her with his face partially covered on November 4.
He also admitted placing employees there in a state of fear and alarm.
Pamela Dobson, defending, said: “Mr Ovenstone would prefer to be remanded in custody from this date. He understands that he will be given a custodial sentence.”
Sentence was deferred until April 21.