Linda Carmichael attempted to steal £400 worth of beauty products from Boots in Braehead Shopping Centre last December.
17:44, 01 Oct 2025Updated 17:44, 01 Oct 2025
Linda Carmichael admitted attempting to steal goods from Boots at Braehead Shopping Centre(Image: Daily Record)
A woman who has over 45 shoplifting convictions has been warned she is on the “brink of custody”.
Serial offender Linda Carmichael attempted to steal £400 worth of beauty products from Boots in Braehead Shopping Centre last December.
The crook was caught red-handed by a member of staff and, when police traced her, she admitted what she had done and apologised.
The procurator fiscal depute told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Around 5pm on December 21 last year, the accused was within Braehead Shopping Centre.
“Officers on mobile, uniform patrol were approached by [a] staff member who had just stopped the accused at Boots attempting to steal products.
“Police caught up with the accused who had a bag for life with her and asked her where she had been. She told officers she had been in Boots and advised she had stolen from there and apologised to the officers.
“She was cautioned and made no reply and was then free to go. The value of the goods was £400 and there was full recovery.”
Carmichael pleaded guilty to attempting to steal a quantity of beauty products from the store.She also faced an allegation of stealing toys from The Entertainer outlet at Braehead on the same day.
Her plea of not guilty to that charge was accepted by the Crown. Defence agent Harvie Diamond told the court Carmichael hasn’t committed any offences since this one.
He added: “She doesn’t think she will shoplift again. She is not a stranger to these courts and has been before these courts a number of times. She seems to be doing better now and this is the first time she’s not had any pending matters.”
Sheriff Clare Arias questioned if Carmichael had a drug problem or if she had lied to the social work department who had interviewed her to prepare a background report.
Mr Diamond explained: “She told the social worker she had been clean for a month then, the following day, she called her addiction worker stating she had been using cocaine.
“She could be given a structure deferred sentence to give her support if she admitted she had a drug problem.”
From the dock, the defendant shouted: “I do have one.”
Sheriff Arias told Carmichael: “I have a report here. You must know you are on the brink of custody.
“I am willing to give you one opportunity to cooperate with the social work department to undertake a drug treatment testing order assessment. I must be clear, if you don’t comply or cooperate with the assessment, my options will be very limited.”
Sentence was deferred for the preparation of a drug treatment testing order. Carmichael of Halgreen Avenue, Drumchapel, Glasgow, will return to court for sentencing on October 23.
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