Man jailed for stealing python in his jumper

A MAN who stole a python by hiding it in his jumper has been jailed.

Anthony Quinn, 41, opened an animal cage at a Dobbies Garden Centre before slipping the snake into his sweater.

Questioned by staff who had seen him fiddling with the locks, he told them he had just been seeing how the catches worked before walking out and driving off.

Six years ago, the father of two was fined £200 for keeping an alligator in his 15th-floor flat in Edinburgh and driving it around in his boot.

Stirling Sheriff Court heard that Quinn had been out shopping for Christmas presents with his friend Scott Cruickshank, 38, when he stole the snake, a juvenile royal python.

Kevin Corrins, prosecuting, said the theft happened at around 4:30pm on 19 December in the aquatic section of the centre, outside Stirling, which has caged reptiles for sale.

The depute fiscal said: “A shopper became aware of the two accused both being within the store. They heard a crack and saw Quinn open one of the cages and put something from within the cage into the front pocket of his top.

“The shopper advised members of staff what he had witnessed. A member of staff then approached Quinn and asked what he was doing. He said that he ‘wanted to see how the cages opened’. He then left the shop, got into a car and drove off.”

The court heard the snake has still not been recovered.

Quinn, of Nisbet Court, Edinburgh, admitted stealing the snake. Cruickshank, of Calder Crescent, Edinburgh, admitted breach of the peace.

Before sentencing, Sheriff Wyllie Robertson asked: “How dangerous is this snake?

“It’s not within my judicial knowledge, but I certainly wouldn’t want one in my front pocket.”

Sheriff Robertson jailed Quinn for five months and fined Cruickshank £450.