A GRIEVING thief brandished a stolen bottle of wine and ran at a Port shop boss in the wake of his grandfather’s death.

Drew Murdoch is today behind bars following the frightening incident at the town’s Iceland store on Monday afternoon.

The 21-year-old — whose criminal record was described as ‘depressing’ by a sheriff — also stole beer from a nearby Spar outlet.

Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher told Greenock Sheriff Court: “He was very close to his grandfather, who died last week, and he has taken it very badly indeed.” Murdoch helped himself to three bottles of wine worth £15 at Iceland in Church Street but dropped two, causing them to smash, as he fled on foot.

Procurator fiscal Fiona Holligan said: “He ran towards the manager with the one bottle that was still intact and brandished it before running off.” Murdoch later stole two cases of beer valued at £19 from the Spar on Princes Street Fiscal Mrs Holligan added: “CCTV showed Drew Murdoch leaving the Spar store carrying one case of lager and another case of beer.

“No recovery of any of the stolen items was made. Police later in the night caught up with the accused. He was deemed to be in an intoxicated state.” Murdoch was on bail regarding another alleged alcohol theft at the time of his latest offences.

He appeared from police custody to admit stealing the wine and beer, brandishing a bottle and running towards the Iceland manager.

He was also charged with two counts of threatening or abusive behaviour — including utter threats and acting in an aggressive manner — but his not guilty pleas to these were accepted by the Crown.

Sheriff Craig Turnbull remarked: “He has a depressing record.” Solicitor Mr Gallagher replied: “He has had a very troubled background and upbringing.

“A lack of support in the past led to his offending.

“The last number of days he has taken to drink as some sort of solace.

“When his funds ran out he still felt the need to drink.” Mr Gallagher added: “There was no intention on his part to use the bottle he had brandished.

“He was just trying his level best to get away with the drink.” Mr Gallagher suggested that there was ‘scope’ for Murdoch to avoid a prison sentence.

He said: “The Persistent Offenders Project have visited him in the court cells and they are preapred to offer assistance and work with him.” Sheriff Turnbull deferred sentence for background reports and remanded Murdoch in custody.

He told him: “I’m very sceptical as to whether any community based disposal will work for you.

“I will give consideration to whether you can be dealt with in the community.” Murdoch, of Kelburn Terrace in Port Glasgow, is due back in court on 12 May.