A Perth man’s erratic and destructive behaviour has culminated in a 20-month prison sentence, following a series of incidents across the city including a significant break-in at a local Morrisons petrol station and a disturbing confrontation at Perth police headquarters. Douglas Robertson, 40, found himself before Perth Sheriff Court, facing charges that paint a picture of escalating desperation and mental health struggles.
The most substantial of these incidents unfolded in the early hours of August 8, 2025, when Robertson targeted the Morrisons filling station in Perth. Under the cover of darkness, he used a rock to shatter an upper door panel before forcing his way inside through a broken window. His objective was clear: to pilfer alcohol and vapes from the convenience store. However, his actions immediately triggered the building’s sophisticated ‘smoke bandit’ security system. Witnesses in the tranquil Perth neighbourhood were alarmed by thick plumes of white vapour billowing from the premises, initially fearing a serious fire. It quickly became apparent that a break-in was underway, as a shirtless man was seen scrambling from a rear fire escape and attempting to flee across the supermarket car park.
The swift arrival of local police led to a chase and Robertson’s apprehension. Officers noted he had sustained multiple cuts to his body, legs, and arms, injuries consistent with breaking through glass. The cost of his midnight raid was substantial, leaving Morrisons with a £6,000 bill covering both the extensive damage and the stolen merchandise.
This petrol station raid was not an isolated event but part of a wider pattern of behaviour. Just two months prior, on June 6, 2025, Robertson caused significant disruption at the Skinnergate homeless unit, a key support facility in Perth. Shortly after midnight, agitated and convinced that individuals were waiting for him outside the building, he lashed out at staff attempting to reassure him. He ominously declared, “You are all in this together. I’m going to do something criminal.” The situation quickly deteriorated as smashing sounds and shouting emanated from his room. When police arrived on the scene, Robertson inexplicably hurled a television set from his first-floor window, narrowly missing their patrol van. He then threw a metal runner, which struck the windscreen of the police vehicle but, fortunately, caused no lasting damage. The incident caused considerable distress and alarm within the residential support unit.
Later that same month, Robertson continued his destructive spree in public spaces, throwing bricks through windows at both the Morrisons supermarket and the nearby Drumhar Health Centre, further impacting vital community services in Perth.
His final, and perhaps most concerning, act occurred on September 16, 2025. Robertson made a distressed 999 call, informing the dispatcher that he was standing directly outside Perth police station, armed with two knives—one concealed in his sock and another in his pocket. Police officers immediately responded, rushing out to find him at the main entrance. After being taken into custody and handcuffed, Robertson revealed his intentions were to confront and potentially harm an old school friend, though his defence later clarified he had no genuine desire to hurt anyone. During the search, officers recovered a silver cutlery knife and a lockpick, which Robertson admitted to sharpening earlier that day. His statements to the police indicated a deep-seated cry for help, expressing a desire to be remanded for his own safety.
During the court proceedings, defence solicitor Mark Robbins highlighted his client’s profound struggles with mental health. Mr. Robbins explained that Robertson was “at the end of his tether” and “looking for support where he could find it.” He further elaborated that at the time of the knife incident, his client was on heroin, which contributed to his volatile state. “He didn’t want to hurt anyone but he was certainly looking to be remanded for his own sake,” Mr. Robbins stated, emphasizing the underlying despair that drove Robertson’s actions.
Sheriff Simon Collins KC acknowledged the gravity of the offences, stating that Robertson had “crossed the custody threshold.” He subsequently handed down a 20-month custodial sentence. A decision on the Skinnergate incident was deferred until May 2026, allowing for further assessment and consideration of Robertson’s ongoing challenges.
The most substantial of these incidents unfolded in the early hours of August 8, 2025, when Robertson targeted the Morrisons filling station in Perth. Under the cover of darkness, he used a rock to shatter an upper door panel before forcing his way inside through a broken window. His objective was clear: to pilfer alcohol and vapes from the convenience store. However, his actions immediately triggered the building’s sophisticated ‘smoke bandit’ security system. Witnesses in the tranquil Perth neighbourhood were alarmed by thick plumes of white vapour billowing from the premises, initially fearing a serious fire. It quickly became apparent that a break-in was underway, as a shirtless man was seen scrambling from a rear fire escape and attempting to flee across the supermarket car park.
The swift arrival of local police led to a chase and Robertson’s apprehension. Officers noted he had sustained multiple cuts to his body, legs, and arms, injuries consistent with breaking through glass. The cost of his midnight raid was substantial, leaving Morrisons with a £6,000 bill covering both the extensive damage and the stolen merchandise.
This petrol station raid was not an isolated event but part of a wider pattern of behaviour. Just two months prior, on June 6, 2025, Robertson caused significant disruption at the Skinnergate homeless unit, a key support facility in Perth. Shortly after midnight, agitated and convinced that individuals were waiting for him outside the building, he lashed out at staff attempting to reassure him. He ominously declared, “You are all in this together. I’m going to do something criminal.” The situation quickly deteriorated as smashing sounds and shouting emanated from his room. When police arrived on the scene, Robertson inexplicably hurled a television set from his first-floor window, narrowly missing their patrol van. He then threw a metal runner, which struck the windscreen of the police vehicle but, fortunately, caused no lasting damage. The incident caused considerable distress and alarm within the residential support unit.
Later that same month, Robertson continued his destructive spree in public spaces, throwing bricks through windows at both the Morrisons supermarket and the nearby Drumhar Health Centre, further impacting vital community services in Perth.
His final, and perhaps most concerning, act occurred on September 16, 2025. Robertson made a distressed 999 call, informing the dispatcher that he was standing directly outside Perth police station, armed with two knives—one concealed in his sock and another in his pocket. Police officers immediately responded, rushing out to find him at the main entrance. After being taken into custody and handcuffed, Robertson revealed his intentions were to confront and potentially harm an old school friend, though his defence later clarified he had no genuine desire to hurt anyone. During the search, officers recovered a silver cutlery knife and a lockpick, which Robertson admitted to sharpening earlier that day. His statements to the police indicated a deep-seated cry for help, expressing a desire to be remanded for his own safety.
During the court proceedings, defence solicitor Mark Robbins highlighted his client’s profound struggles with mental health. Mr. Robbins explained that Robertson was “at the end of his tether” and “looking for support where he could find it.” He further elaborated that at the time of the knife incident, his client was on heroin, which contributed to his volatile state. “He didn’t want to hurt anyone but he was certainly looking to be remanded for his own sake,” Mr. Robbins stated, emphasizing the underlying despair that drove Robertson’s actions.
Sheriff Simon Collins KC acknowledged the gravity of the offences, stating that Robertson had “crossed the custody threshold.” He subsequently handed down a 20-month custodial sentence. A decision on the Skinnergate incident was deferred until May 2026, allowing for further assessment and consideration of Robertson’s ongoing challenges.