A Montrose man who stole luggage on the train to Broughty Ferry has been told to expect a jail sentence.
Gordon Heron, 38, admitted stealing a suitcase from an unsuspecting passenger on the line between Montrose and Broughty Ferry in May this year.
Forfar Sheriff Court was told Heron had mental health concerns for which he is seeking help but the theft had been carried out to fund his drug addiction.
He was given until August 18 on bail while other sentencing matters are dealt with at Dundee Sheriff Court.
Heron, of North Street, Montrose, has also been banned from travelling on the railway between his home town and Broughty Ferry, and any stops in between.
Prison warning
Despite being granted bail by Sheriff Derek Reekie, he was told the matter meets the threshold for a custodial sentence.
“It appears he attributes everything to mental health difficulties, when there are in fact issues with drugs,” he said.
“He wants an opportunity to prove himself but he has not exactly covered himself in glory.
“In my view, custody seems to be highly likely.
“But if there is any hope of stopping this pattern of offending it may be counterproductive.
“You can assume if there are any more allegations or offences he will end up in custody.
“The pattern has already escalated and is getting more serious in terms of the public interest.
“He is already subject to supervision.”
Solicitor Paul Ralph said his client has an appointment with a mental health specialist in the coming weeks and called for a further delay in sentencing, to allow further reports to be made.
Sheriff Reekie deferred sentence for further background and psychiatric reports to be carried out.
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