Published: Wednesday, 19th November, 2008 9:00am

Knifeman put behind bars

by David Knox

A DRUG-CRAZED thug who held up a convenience store at knife point has been caged for three years.

Sick Stephen Smith also snatched a charity box from Old Gala House.

And swiped cash from the purse of a pensioner neighbour during his reign of terror in Galashiels.

Detectives had to use DNA profiling to eventually snare the 29-year-old drug addict for the hold-up at the Late Shop on August 19.

Selkirk Sheriff Court was told how Smith wrapped a scarf round his face and pulled down a hat before bursting into the Wood Street store.

And that he brandished a four-inch blade at 44-year-old shop assistant Gail Wood demanding cash from the till.

Despite having her 11-year-old child in the shop, she still fended off the fiend and activated the intruder alarm.

Cops were already hunting for Smith, who was living in an unused flat on Torwoodlee Road, in connection with the theft of a charity box from the Old Gala House museum three days before.

But they didn"t catch him quickly enough to prevent the heroin addict bursting into the home of an elderly neighbour and snatching £25 from her purse on August 22.

Police were again called when other neighbours heard her screams.

Smith was also charged with breaking into two houses during the week-long crime spree but his not-guilty pleas were accepted by the crown.

Procurator Fiscal Viki Welton told Monday"s hearing how Smith was finally caught after police found clothing and the knife hidden in the unused flat.

She said: 'Neither the witness nor her son could identify the accused during an identity parade.

'He denied any knowledge of the incident and provided police with an alibi.

'Forensic evidence found that DNA on the knife matched that of the accused, and skin flakes from inside the hat matched his and also skin flakes on the scarf.'

The court was told that Smith smoked up to £80 worth of heroin a day.

And he regularly stole to feed his habit.

Defence lawyer Ian Wells said: 'His habit is catastrophic and has led him to being in court on several occasions.'

Smith, who appeared in the dock from custody, was jailed for a total of three years.

Sheriff Margaret Neilsen said: 'The theft of money donated to charity is despicable.

'By using a knife, it must have been a frightening experience for the lady and her son.

'And this was a terrible ordeal for the other lady.'

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