By Lanarkshire Live
Copyright dailyrecord
A killer from Wishaw is back behind bars after frightening staff at a clothing shop in Uddingston. Aaron McGuire, who served seven years for stabbing his cousin to death, brandished a sharp-pointed garden ornament at female employees before stealing items. He then caused a scene at another business nearby before being arrested. McGuire, 35, appeared from custody at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week. He admitted theft and threatening or abusive behaviour in Main Street, Uddingston, on February 15. The theft charge was reduced from a more serious allegation of assault and robbery. Rosemary O’Neill, prosecuting, said McGuire was under the influence when he entered Libellula Boutique shortly after 3pm. He threw a clutch bag on the floor and grabbed at a stand of earrings. He was carrying a garden ornament with a sharp point and at one stage he “held it out”. He also tried to get behind the cash desk but one of the two employees blocked him. McGuire left the shop with a pair of jogging bottoms and several candles. The frightened staff called 999 and locked the door. He then went into Palazzo Kitchens, also in Main Street, and lifted display items. Ms O’Neill told the court: “He was unsteady on his feet and a member of staff pushed him out of the premises. At that point the accused made a shooting motion with his hand, putting the witness in a state of fear.” Police detained him nearby and most of the stolen items were recovered. McGuire was jailed in 2017 for the culpable homicide of his cousin in Wishaw. Defence solicitor Tom Watters said was released from prison only a few days before the latest events and was given accommodation in Uddingston. Mr Watters stated: “He was anxious about an alleged breach of an electronic tag and could not sleep. “He consumed at least a bottle of vodka and has no recollection of going to these shops. “It’s abundantly clear that he had no idea what he was doing and was staggering about. “There was no desire on his part for any violence.” Sheriff Liam Murphy jailed McGuire for 16 months, telling him: “Given your intoxicated state and behaviour, this must have been a frightening experience for the shop assistants. “I also must take account of your significant schedule of previous convictions.” *Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here .
