A local individual with a history of offending has recently been handed a significant custodial sentence following a series of thefts and disturbing confrontations that terrorised staff at several businesses across Perth and Kinross. Nicholas Johnstone, 42, faced Perth Sheriff Court, where he admitted to a multitude of charges, ranging from shoplifting to aggressive behaviour, including a deeply troubling racist outburst at a popular takeaway establishment.
The court heard how Johnstone, whose defence highlighted his struggle with crack cocaine addiction, embarked on a brazen crime spree that saw him target seven different local businesses. His actions not only resulted in financial losses for these establishments but also caused considerable distress and fear among the dedicated individuals working within the community. Disrupting Local Trade Across Perthshire
The sequence of offences began in Pitlochry, a picturesque town popular with tourists and locals alike. The local Co-op store was repeatedly hit, starting on May 24, with Johnstone making off with bottles of various spirits, including vodka, whisky, and gin. Over a period extending to early July, he executed similar thefts four more times from the same premises, accumulating a total of twenty stolen bottles. None of these goods were ever recovered by the authorities.
His criminal activities were not confined to Pitlochry. In Perth, the bustling High Street became another target. On July 3, the manager of Sainsbury’s approached Johnstone, requesting him to leave the store. Instead of complying, Johnstone reacted with hostility, issuing a chilling threat: “I’ll be back at 11pm when you close to kill you.” Such blatant intimidation in the heart of our community has a profound impact on the sense of safety for all who work and shop there.
A few weeks later, on July 24, Johnstone’s brazenness escalated further when he entered Specsavers on Perth High Street accompanied by another man. The pair selected two spectacle frames, each valued at approximately £90. When challenged by the store manager, Johnstone responded with an alarming threat, claiming he would “chib and knife him” if prevented from leaving. He then concealed the glasses in his trousers before exiting. Although one pair of the frames was later recovered by police, it was found broken, underscoring the destructive nature of his actions.
In addition to these incidents, Johnstone also targeted retailers specialising in outdoor gear. Craigdon Mountain Sports in Perth and Nevis Sports in Pitlochry both fell victim to his thefts, losing jackets valued at hundreds of pounds on separate occasions in early July. His continued presence and repeated offences were a persistent drain on local business owners, forcing them to contend with losses and heightened security concerns. He even returned to Sainsbury’s in Perth to steal smaller items, including chicken and a Peperami, illustrating the compulsive nature of his offending. Racist Outburst Leads to Arrest
The extent of Johnstone’s criminal conduct finally came to an end following a particularly disturbing incident at Wild Wingz, a fast-food establishment located on County Place in Perth, just after 8pm on August 3. During this confrontation, Johnstone engaged in a racially-aggravated rant, directing hateful language towards staff members. The situation quickly escalated when he ventured behind the counter, picking up a knife, which forced a chef to retreat in fear to the rear of the premises.
The manager, witnessing Johnstone armed with two knives and refusing to comply with demands to put them down, promptly contacted law enforcement. While on the phone with emergency services, Johnstone continued to utter threats to kill, alongside deeply offensive racial slurs directed at the manager. Upon the arrival of police officers, Johnstone was still behind the counter. He was subsequently restrained on the floor and taken into custody, bringing an end to his destructive spree. The Court’s Decision: A Message on Community Safety
Before Sheriff Elizabeth McFarlane, Johnstone formally admitted to a total of nine counts of shoplifting and three counts of threatening or abusive behaviour, with one of the latter charges explicitly noting the aggravating factor of racial prejudice. His legal representative, David Holmes, stated that Johnstone had no recollection of the incident at Wild Wingz and expressed his client’s deep regret for his actions, particularly those affecting other individuals within the shops he targeted. The court was informed of Johnstone’s long-standing difficulties with drug use, including crack cocaine, which he indicated a desire to address.
Sheriff McFarlane, in delivering her sentence, acknowledged the seriousness of Johnstone’s repeated offences. She emphasised that while shoplifting alone is a serious matter, the addition of violent threats and racially-aggravated behaviour pushed the case into an entirely different category of severity. Consequently, she imposed a cumulo sentence of 16 months in prison. This sentence serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences for those who threaten the safety and well-being of the Perth and Kinross community and its hard-working residents.
The court heard how Johnstone, whose defence highlighted his struggle with crack cocaine addiction, embarked on a brazen crime spree that saw him target seven different local businesses. His actions not only resulted in financial losses for these establishments but also caused considerable distress and fear among the dedicated individuals working within the community. Disrupting Local Trade Across Perthshire
The sequence of offences began in Pitlochry, a picturesque town popular with tourists and locals alike. The local Co-op store was repeatedly hit, starting on May 24, with Johnstone making off with bottles of various spirits, including vodka, whisky, and gin. Over a period extending to early July, he executed similar thefts four more times from the same premises, accumulating a total of twenty stolen bottles. None of these goods were ever recovered by the authorities.
His criminal activities were not confined to Pitlochry. In Perth, the bustling High Street became another target. On July 3, the manager of Sainsbury’s approached Johnstone, requesting him to leave the store. Instead of complying, Johnstone reacted with hostility, issuing a chilling threat: “I’ll be back at 11pm when you close to kill you.” Such blatant intimidation in the heart of our community has a profound impact on the sense of safety for all who work and shop there.
A few weeks later, on July 24, Johnstone’s brazenness escalated further when he entered Specsavers on Perth High Street accompanied by another man. The pair selected two spectacle frames, each valued at approximately £90. When challenged by the store manager, Johnstone responded with an alarming threat, claiming he would “chib and knife him” if prevented from leaving. He then concealed the glasses in his trousers before exiting. Although one pair of the frames was later recovered by police, it was found broken, underscoring the destructive nature of his actions.
In addition to these incidents, Johnstone also targeted retailers specialising in outdoor gear. Craigdon Mountain Sports in Perth and Nevis Sports in Pitlochry both fell victim to his thefts, losing jackets valued at hundreds of pounds on separate occasions in early July. His continued presence and repeated offences were a persistent drain on local business owners, forcing them to contend with losses and heightened security concerns. He even returned to Sainsbury’s in Perth to steal smaller items, including chicken and a Peperami, illustrating the compulsive nature of his offending. Racist Outburst Leads to Arrest
The extent of Johnstone’s criminal conduct finally came to an end following a particularly disturbing incident at Wild Wingz, a fast-food establishment located on County Place in Perth, just after 8pm on August 3. During this confrontation, Johnstone engaged in a racially-aggravated rant, directing hateful language towards staff members. The situation quickly escalated when he ventured behind the counter, picking up a knife, which forced a chef to retreat in fear to the rear of the premises.
The manager, witnessing Johnstone armed with two knives and refusing to comply with demands to put them down, promptly contacted law enforcement. While on the phone with emergency services, Johnstone continued to utter threats to kill, alongside deeply offensive racial slurs directed at the manager. Upon the arrival of police officers, Johnstone was still behind the counter. He was subsequently restrained on the floor and taken into custody, bringing an end to his destructive spree. The Court’s Decision: A Message on Community Safety
Before Sheriff Elizabeth McFarlane, Johnstone formally admitted to a total of nine counts of shoplifting and three counts of threatening or abusive behaviour, with one of the latter charges explicitly noting the aggravating factor of racial prejudice. His legal representative, David Holmes, stated that Johnstone had no recollection of the incident at Wild Wingz and expressed his client’s deep regret for his actions, particularly those affecting other individuals within the shops he targeted. The court was informed of Johnstone’s long-standing difficulties with drug use, including crack cocaine, which he indicated a desire to address.
Sheriff McFarlane, in delivering her sentence, acknowledged the seriousness of Johnstone’s repeated offences. She emphasised that while shoplifting alone is a serious matter, the addition of violent threats and racially-aggravated behaviour pushed the case into an entirely different category of severity. Consequently, she imposed a cumulo sentence of 16 months in prison. This sentence serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences for those who threaten the safety and well-being of the Perth and Kinross community and its hard-working residents.