Hungover thief went on Dundee Asda raid to recoup nightclub losses before partner found out.

The man was one of four people appearing in Dundee on shoplifting allegations. A brazen robber grabbed a haul of products from a Dundee Asda in a desperate attempt to recoup losses from a wild night out.

Romanian national Manut-Elvis Mustafa, 22, has been told that he faces jail time following his brazen robbery at the Milton of Craigie store on Wednesday.

Police stopped a car carrying Mustafa and three people on the A90 near Perth with the goods still in the boot, worth over £450. Regip Mavisa, 39, admitted to stealing apparel, a chicken, potatoes, and other products in a separate incident at the same shop.

Two others, Chires Sali and Vandana Sali, had not guilty pleas accepted when they appeared from detention at Dundee Sheriff Court, but were caught up in the dramatic court scenes.

Sheriff Tim Niven-Smith stated, “We have enough criminals of our own without entertaining criminals from other parts of Europe.”

‘Still hungover’

Solicitor Joe Myles, who represented all four, said Mustafa, of Perth, has pre-settled status and has been in the UK for about five years.

The lawyer stated that his client earned approximately £550 per week working at a carrot plant in Cupar. Sheriff Niven-Smith enquired, “Has he gotten himself into significant debt?” He is employed and making a good pay. Why would he be concerned with stealing from Asda? Mr Myles responded:

“His explanation was that he had gone out the night before to a nightclub with friends. “He had gotten intoxicated and spent a large sum of money that his partner was unaware of. He did not want to admit to it.

“He said he was still hungover from the night before.” The sheriff noted Mustafa’s “extensive” criminal past but gave him until January to produce a social work report, with “hesitation”.

He expressed the opinion: “Whilst it is a matter for others, it seems he adds little value to Scotland.”

‘Stop bubbling’

There was drama in the courtroom as Sheriff Niven-Smith dealt with the other three suspects. Mavisa, a mother of five, was visiting her sister-in-law when she stole, which was described as a “frolic of her own” in court.

The sheriff continued to hold Mavisa in custody and asked the Salis to provide cash to pay the fine he intended to impose, assuming she would flee to Romania without paying.

Chires Sali, 42, looked to sob as he was led into the dock, prompting a stern reprimand from the sheriff. He remarked to you: “Pull yourself together and stop bubbling – you are an adult male.”

Sheriff Niven-Smith addressed both Salis, also of Perth, saying: “You and your friends will have to band together to pay (Mavisa’s) fine because she indicated it would be done.

“You are going to have to think about how much money you can give her. “You’ll be released. If you do not have money on your property, you will have to travel to the bank to get it.

“Her case is not being recalled until the court gets its money.” Vandana Sali then stated, through an interpreter, that she owned £6,400 in property, which the court heard had been taken by police pending further inquiry.

Mavisa’s case was eventually recalled, but she was still being detained in detention for an investigation of her immigration status by the Home Office.

As a result, she was reprimanded for shoplifting.