A Fife pensioner who went on a shoplifting spree in Perthshire claimed he turned to crime as he was struggling to make ends meet.
Retired trucker William Wilson, 72, from Freuchie and friend Davina Cowan, 71, from Cupar ended up in the dock of Perth Sheriff Court for stealing household basics including groceries and cleaning gear on trips to Blairgowrie.
They were caught on CCTV before admitting theft when they appeared at Perth Sheriff Court.
Mr Wilson said: “I’m not saying I can’t get by but it’s hard.
“There are millions of people in our situation who find different ways of making ends meet.
“I made a decent living driving lorries until I retired about eight years ago.
“Now it’s difficult – I have to pay gas and council tax out of £160 per week.”
Davina Cowan added: “The pension is not a lot but you have to manage. My family is not impressed.”
The court was told that they visited shops in Blairgowrie stealing various items.
They admitted stealing disinfectant, chocolate and coffee from a branch of Semi-Chem on March 5.
They further admitted taking cleaning products when they returned three weeks later and the following week stole groceries from Tesco.
Wilson also pled guilty to an offensive weapon charge after police discovered a lock knife in his car.
In a plea of mitigation to the court Mr Wilson’s solicitor Sue Williams said: “He advised me he has become involved in this course of conduct as he cannot manage on his pension.
“This was a way to eke it out.”
Sentence was deferred by Sheriff Christopher Shead for reports on the pensioners’ circumstances.
