Thug broke security guard's nose

Sep 25 2009

A WOULD-BE shoplifter broke a security guard’s nose in a late night supermarket assault.

Mark Rogerson admitted attacking the Tesco employee at the Whitletts Road store on May 31 this year.

Ayr Sheriff Court heard this week that four youths entered the store at 2.25am.

Staff were suspicious and the men were stopped on their way out.

A violent confrontation ensued and Rogerson punched the security guard on the nose.

He was taken to hospital and doctors discovered the man had a broken nose and needed stitches.

Sheriff Jack McGowan was told that Rogerson, 21, committed this offence while on probation for road traffic matters.

Defence lawyer Peter Lockhart said that Rogerson, of Ayr’s James Brown Ave, had been drinking and had not been the focus of attention.

Mr Lockhart added: “My client accepts becoming involved when things turned nasty.

“He offers no excuse for his behaviour and very much regrets his actions.

Pointing out that social workers regarded Rogerson as potentially harmful to others due to his use of violence and lack of forethought when drunk, Sheriff McGowan jailed him for 80 days.

He said: “You are a danger to the public. It’s one thing to be involved in shoplifting but it’s another to assault security staff.

“This man was doing his job. It must be brought home that this will not be tolerated.

“Let this be a warning to those who misbehave in a drunken manner in our supermarkets.”

Rogerson’s friend, Andrew McFadyen, has been charged with similar offences.

It is alleged that on the same date, McFadyen, also of James Brown Avenue, challenged two Tesco employees to a fight and committed a breach of the peace.

He is further accused of assaulting an employee by struggling with him and punching him to the body.

McFadyen did not turn up at court and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.