A would-be robber warned a Hamilton shop assistant he would “blast everything” if she didn’t give him money.
But Steven Thomson left empty-handed after being told there was no cash to hand over at that time in the morning.
Thomson, 36, of Overton Street, Cambuslang, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.
He admitted attempted robbery at R&W Boyd newsagent in Quarry Street on September 26, 2023.
An allegation that he brandished a bottle and demanded money from a female employee at nearby Greggs on the same day was dropped.
Scott O’Connor, prosecuting, said Thomson went into the newsagent shortly after 7am.
The fiscal stated: “He had a hood over his head and walked towards the counter.
“He said ‘Give me £40’ but the assistant said she didn’t have money as the shop had just opened.
“Thomson then told her ‘I’m not joking. I’m going to blast everything’, but when she again said there was no money he turned and left the shop.
“There is no suggestion he had a weapon. The police were contacted and he was traced an hour later in Quarry Street.”
Defence solicitor Jackson Bateman said Thomson had at the time been struggling after the breakdown of a relationship.
He added: “The shop assistant’s police statement describes his behaviour as somewhat bizarre and strange.
“Since then he has been trying to sort himself out. He has been on bail and I’m not aware of any other cases outstanding.”
Sheriff John Speir deferred sentence until next month for background reports and an electronic tagging assessment.
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