Ayrshire man left of hook following strange tale

Jan 1 2010 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A VIOLENT criminal was let off the hook for shoplifting after spinning a bizarre story to a sheriff.

Steven Proudfoot, who has previously been sentenced to life in prison for assault and robbery, walked free from court after he nicked a wallet and aftershave from TK Maxx.

Proudfoot, 27, was part of a gang who committed a robbery in 2002.

The victim of the assault and robbery died as a result of the attack.

Proudfoot was jailed for life at the High Court in Glasgow for his part in the sickening crime.

But his sentence was reduced to five years at the appeals court.

This week at Ayr Sheriff Court, his defence lawyer Peter Lockhart told the story to Sheriff John Montgomery on behalf of his client.

Mr Lockhart explained: “I have to tell you there’s a strange tale here.

“My client is originally from Stranraer, and on Christmas Eve he was making his way to his family home.

“Unfortunately, he missed his connection from Ayr to Stranraer. And due to the bad weather there were no more buses from 8.30pm.

“He made his way to the police station where the officers showed him goodwill by letting him sleep in reception.

“Of course, there were no trains on Christmas Day, so the invitation extended to two nights.

“But on the second night, someone else found themselves in the same predicament.

“The next day, Mr Proudfoot found that his wallet was missing. He suspects the other male stole it while he slept.

“As soon as he walked out of the police station, the first thing he saw was TK Maxx. It was his intention to sell the aftershave for his train fare home.

“Although he has been out of trouble for over seven years, he does have an extensive record.”

Mr Lockhart added: “He’s spent four nights with the police – two in reception and two in custody.”

Sheriff Montgomery told Proudfoot: “Mr Lockhart is right, this is stranger than fiction. In fact it’s the strangest tale I’ve heard, so I suppose it must be true.”

Proudfoot, from Carnoustie, was admonished and dismissed.