Two youths who armed themselves with a hammer for an attempted robbery of a corner shop to fuel their drinking binge have been detained.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard that Ryan Ferrie, 18, and Scott Reid, 20, had entered S&R Newsagents in the Hilltown in July wearing hoodies, boiler suits and latex gloves.
The pair had run out of money but wanted to continue their drink and drug binge, and when Ferrie’s parents refused them cash they drew up the plan to rob the shop.
Sheriff George Way said the offence came during a week-long binge and Ferrie’s actions were not those of a “young person in turmoil” but someone who had been denied money from the bank of mum and dad.
Defending Ferrie, David Duncan said: “He’s sickened and ashamed by his actions.
“He retains his parents’ faith and support. While they do not condone his behaviour, they do not wish to see him locked up.”
Reid’s agent Ann Johnson said her client had been a “follower-on” in the incident.
“It was not his idea but he went along,” she said. “There appears to be no motive.”
But Sheriff Way responded: “The motive was to get money to continue drinking. They have admitted they had been drinking and taking substances for several days.
“This is not what you would expect of someone in youthful high spirits. These boys put on boiler suits, hoodies and latex gloves. They wanted to avoid being seen on CCTV and leaving fingerprints.
“It’s the persistence of the offence I have most issue with. This is something they hatched together and they stand or fall together.”
Ferrie and Reid previously admitted that on July 5, at S&R Newsagent, they assaulted Nasim Rafi, presented a hammer at her, demanded money from her, struggled with her, attempted to open the cash register and attempted to rob her.
Reid also admitted that, on July 5 at Hilltown, he produced cannabis.
Ferrie was sentenced to 13 months and 98 days’ detention and Reid was sentenced to 21 months’ detention.