A THIEF who stole a packet of sweetener tablets worth £1.36 from a superstore was then involved in a violent confrontation with a security guard.
Thirty-five-year-old Stephen Wallace, of Galabank Street, Galashiels, was viewed acting suspiciously on CCTV at the town’s Asda store on November 18.
Selkirk Sheriff Court heard that when he was confronted at the store entrance he became abusive and a struggle ensued between the pair.
Tessa Bradley, prosecuting, said: “The two of them ended up struggling on the ground and a by-stander assisted the security guard.” Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said Wallace was at a loss to explain the theft as he had money on him and had bought another item legitimately.
He claimed he reacted after the security guard laid hands on him and objected to how he sat on him waiting for the police to arrive.
Sentence was deferred until May 5 for reports.
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