Security man leapt on bonnet of car to stop thief's getaway

A PLUCKY security guard who pounced on the bonnet of a shoplifter's car to thwart his escape has told of his terrifying ordeal which he likened to a gangster movie.

• The incident took place in the car park of the Asda supermarket at the Jewel

Colin McLaughlin, 31, risked his life as thief Martyn Wilson, 23, tried to flee Asda at the Jewel on February 21 this year, having pinched three cases of lager and some dog food from the store.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard yesterday how the security guard leapt onto the car to prevent himself being run over and clung on while Wilson, pictured below, drove erratically around the car park, accelerating to 15mph and swerving to shake him off. Mr McLaughlin eventually fell to the ground as Wilson made his getaway.

"I wasn't being a hero jumping on to the bonnet," said the West End resident, who suffered ligament damage to his legs in the incident.

"He floored the car and I was thrown onto it and just instinctively hung onto the top of the bonnet.

"I was really just doing my job, but I must admit it was a terrible shock when a routine case of apprehending a shoplifter turned into such a serious situation.

"By the time I had established that this man had failed to pay he was already at his car.

"I rushed out and spoke to him as he sat in the drivers seat, with a couple in pals beside him in the car.

"When he admitted he hadn't paid and refused to come back into the store I had no alternative but to take his car number.

"I was standing in front of the vehicle taking its registration number when he drove straight at me."

The court heard that Wilson, a painter and decorator from Ryebank in Livingston, was "totally ashamed" of his behaviour and was traced from Mr McLauglin's description.

Mr McLaughlin said: "It was really terrifying. It's the sort of thing you see in gangster movies, but you never expect to be hanging onto a car bonnet flying around an Asda car park.

"I was off work for a couple of weeks and in pain for a good couple of months from torn ligaments in my leg following the impact of hitting the kerb".

Bosses at Reliance Security praised the courageous actions of their employee.

Damian Timson, Reliance Security's Scottish operations manager, said: "Colin could have no way of knowing that this would escalate into such a dangerous situation. We are very proud of his commitment and his courage."

Wilson admitted stealing lager and dog food, assaulting Mr McLaughlin by driving at him, and driving dangerously.

He was ordered to carry out 240 hours community service, put on probation for two years and was also banned from driving for two years.

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