One of Scotland’s most unrepentant thieves stood stunned in court as he was jailed for more than 17 months.
David McGregor, of Crieff Road in Perth, boasts one of the country’s most extensive records, featuring 78 convictions and 131 separate offences.
Many of them relate to theft and shoplifting undertaken in a bid to feed his long-standing problem with drugs and his latest ill-advised escapade saw him attempt to steal a television.
The 41-year-old was almost insensible through Valium use when he entered a store on Perth’s High Street and walked out with the stolen set under his arm.
He was stopped by store staff and appeared in court to admit stealing from Brighthouse on April 3.
Even so, he was shocked to be jailed for 13 months, with an extra 140 days added for his early release from a previous sentence.
Sheriff Alastair Brown told him: “As criminal records go, yours is one of the least impressive I have ever seen and I have been looking at criminal records since 1979.”
McGregor delivered an expletive-filled volley towards the sheriff as he was led away.
