Man stole make-up from Boots in Dundee so he could be sent back to jail

The case of a Dundee shoplifter who stole make-up in order to be sent back to jail was branded “a tragedy” by a sheriff.

James Dougan stole mascara from Boots in full view of security staff before making a full confession to police officers.

Dougan’s solicitor Jim Laverty told Dundee Sheriff Court that the 26-year-old had a lengthy record for similar offences and had found it hard to cope after previously being released from custody.

Mr Laverty said: “He has been so institutionalised and removed from the community at large, he realises he can’t operate and re-offends.

“He committed this in full view of staff and created no difficulty at all.”

Dougan, of Helmsdale Avenue, admitted stealing eye make-up from Boots in Reform Street on July 22.

Telling Dougan a prison sentence was inevitable, Sheriff George Way said: “There’s nothing much I can do.

“It’s a tragedy when someone finds themselves in this situation and I hope that one day you can operate with people in the real world.”

Dougan was ordered to complete 111 days of a previous jail term and a sentenced to six months in prison for the shoplifting offence.