Court briefs

At Dundee:

A serial shoplifter with almost 60 previous convictions for crimes of dishonesty was jailed for more than 14 months by Sheriff Davidson.

Ian James Hamilton (37), Whitfield Square, Dundee, stole more than £500-worth of items and foodstuffs every week to fund his heroin habit, the court heard.

Hamilton admitted that on June 4 and 17, at Aldi, Arbroath Road, he stole groceries and chicken, while on bail.

He also admitted that on October 13 and 14, at the same store, he stole poultry, groceries and meat products.

He further admitted that on December 1, at Iceland in Pitkerro Road, he stole a quantity of bacon.

Rejecting a plea to place Hamilton on a drug treatment and testing order, Sheriff Davidson told him: “You have 57 previous convictions for dishonesty stretching back over the past 20 years.

“On a variety of occasions sheriffs in this court have tried noncustodial disposals, but they haven’t worked.”

He jailed Hamilton for eight months, 186 days.

Andrew Smith (49), Transform, Soapwork Lane, Dundee, was jailed for eight months by Sheriff Davidson.

Smith admitted that on December 27, at Spar, Perth Road, he stole a quantity of shampoo and creams worth £34.94, while on bail.

He also admitted that on December 28, at Debenhams, Overgate, he stole a watch, while on bail.

Two men out on licence from prison sentences who fought in a city street were jailed by Sheriff Way on Monday.

Frank Mayne (48), no fixed abode, and Frank Needham (32), Dudhope Court, admitted that on November 28 at the Lily Walker Centre, Ann Street, and in Ann Street, they engaged in a stand-up fight, shouted and swore, lashed out with a Hoover handle and breached the peace.

Mayne was jailed for three months and 10 days, while Needham was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment.

Both men were also ordered to complete the 156 days’ unexpired portions of their previous sentences.