Denny shopkeeper attacked by teen robber

A drunken teenager stormed into a shop and pushed past a member of staff to take two packets of cigarettes.
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Ben Fitzsimmons (18) violently pushed the female shopkeeper and pinched the cigarettes from behind the counter.

Fitzsimmons, West Baldridge Road, Dunfermline, admitted the assault and robbery he committed at the shop in Northfield Road, Denny on February 1 last year.

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Appearing at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday, Fitzsimmons was said to have been under 18 and under the influence of alcohol at the time of the offence.

Ann Orr, procurator fiscal depute, said: “It was 2.45pm and the woman was working in the shop alone at the time. The accused asked her for cigarettes, but she declined because she knew he was under 18.

“He tried to get around behind the counter, pushing her to the chest and causing her to stumble. He removed the cover from the cigarette display and then removed items from it.

“Police were contacted and there was a small struggle, but the other male who was with the accused pulled him away. There was no injury to the shopkeeper and two packets of cigarettes valued at £9 each were taken.”

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The court heard Fitzsimmons, who has no recollection of what happened, was 17 at the time of the offence and it was an “example of someone under the age of 18 who couldn’t handle alcohol”.

Sheriff John Mundy said: “I don’t know what on earth you thought you were doing. Next time it will be Polmont – that’s where you will end up.”

He ordered Fitzsimmons to complete 180 hours unpaid work within six months.