PHILIP REID STEALS FROM DISABLED ROSYTH PENSIONER IN SHOCKING HOME BURGLARY

A disabled pensioner from Rosyth found himself in a distressing situation when he was targeted by a man seeking to exploit his kindness. The incident occurred on October 7, 2019, at the pensioner's residence in Rosyth, where the elderly man, aged 78, was approached by a stranger requesting financial assistance.

According to reports, the pensioner, who is known to have mobility issues, was initially approached by Philip Reid, a 39-year-old man from Letham Avenue, Leven. Reid had gone to the home of a neighbor of the victim, hoping to sell some items or borrow money. When these attempts proved unsuccessful, Reid then turned his attention to the pensioner, whom he did not know personally.

Reid managed to persuade the elderly man to lend him £20, claiming it was for bus fare. As the pensioner went to retrieve the money, Reid took the opportunity to rummage through drawers in the house and stole £40. The victim, unaware of the theft, returned and handed Reid the £20, believing he had helped him.

Later, when Reid was arrested, he admitted to police that he was under the influence at the time, stating, “I apologise. I was vallied out my head.”

Reid appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court to face charges related to the theft. His defence solicitor, Gordon Martin, acknowledged that the stolen money had not been repaid but noted that Reid had since returned to court with £40. He also highlighted that Reid has a criminal record, though it has become less frequent over time.

Sheriff Alastair Brown sentenced Reid to a four-month restriction of liberty order and ordered him to pay £60 in compensation to the victim. The case underscores the vulnerability of elderly residents in Rosyth and the importance of vigilance against opportunistic crimes.