Man jailed for armed shoplifting attempt in Glasgow

The incident happened in October at a Lidl in Maryhill

Joseph McGrath (39) was jailed for 14 months after the incident
Author: Molly TulettPublished 28th Dec 2023

A man has been jailed for 14 months after being caught with a knife during a shoplifting attempt in Glasgow.

Joseph McGrath was spotted with the weapon at a Lidl in Maryhill on October 27, after staff caught him picking up four boxes of detergent, which cost £52.

Fiscal Mark Allan told Glasgow Sherriff Court the 39 year old made no attempt to pay for the items, which were later recovered, and police were contacted.

Mr Allan said: "Officers spoke to McGrath and they recovered a Stanley knife from his jacket pocket."

McGrath pleaded guilty to stealing and having a knife in a public place without a reasonable excuse or lawful authority.

The court was told by the defence that Mr McGrath “accepts full responsibility” for the crime.

Sheriff Tom Hughes stated to McGrath: "I have heard the circumstances as to what happened here.

"You have a poor record of previous convictions and I will take account that you are pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.