A sheriff has ridiculed two young muggers who were part of a hoodie-wearing gang, saying they have ‘no sense of style’.
Sheriff Tim Niven-Smith took aim at the outfits of Kaleb Clacy and co-accused Luke Macveigh, slating them for the same ‘drab’ uniform of ‘black Nike tracksuits’ favoured by the London gangs they try to emulate.
He accused Clacy and Macveigh, who carried out late night robberies in Dundee, of mimicking the gangs plaguing the UK capital with an escalating series of street robberies.
And he mocked them for trying to act like a ‘roadman’ – a term used to describe young male yobs who spend a lot of time on the streets.
In a brutal assessment of their fashion sense, Sheriff Niven-Smith said: ‘I described them as the roadmen of Dundee. They are yobs. They are drab and have no sense of style.
‘Others might think they are emulating those in London, where street robberies are prevalent. You struck fear into good honest Dundonians.
‘They work hard during the week, earn their pay packet and go out for a few drinks and then on to a club. They are entitled to leave and not be approached by a gang of youths who rob them in the street.’
Clacy, who was in court via video link from prison, wept as the sheriff said: ‘The hard man’s not really a hard man. Prison is not meant to be enjoyable.
Sheriff Tim Niven-Smith took issue with the style choices and crimes of the young yobs
The sheriff said youths who choose to try and emulate London gangs by wearing the ‘uniform’ of dark tracksuits have no style
‘You would do well to be embarrassed about the situation you find yourself in – for you and your family. If you were over 21 I would be imposing a period in prison.’
Sheriff Niven-Smith deferred sentence on Macveigh and ordered Clacy to carry out 225 hours of unpaid community work. Clacy was also placed under social work supervision for 12 months.
The pair were remanded in custody awaiting sentencing for robbing two men and a woman of a mobile phone, earphones, a purse and other items on October 30.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard that Macveigh, 18, was the aggressor when he robbed a man of AirPods and a mobile phone at around 2am in the city centre.
Macveigh and Clacy, 20, were with three other teenagers at the time. The man handed over his Apple earphones after ‘laughing nervously’.
Macveigh said: ‘Empty your pockets or I’ll stab you here in the street.’ He placed his hands in the man’s jacket pocket and removed an iPhone 13.
Prosecutor Ewan Chalmers said the man called the police after making his way home. Two further victims were terrorised by Macveigh and Clacy just minutes later.
Mr Chalmers said: ‘They were approached by all five and Macveigh asked if they had anything on them. Macveigh claimed he had a knife and stated ‘get your phones or money out or I’m going to kill you’. The [female] complainer handed over her purse due to fear and threats of violence.’
Macveigh then stole a hat from the man’s head before removing his glasses and throwing them to the ground.
Before walking off, Macveigh said something similar to: ‘If you grass, I’ll stab you.’
Police arrived at around 2.45am and Macveigh ran off before being arrested, still with the stolen items. Sheriff Niven-Smith enquired as to what Macveigh and Clacy were wearing, with Mr Chalmers replying: ‘Dark clothing.’ The sheriff said: ‘Dark clothing… Dundee roadmen.’
Macveigh and Clacy, both of Dundee, pleaded guilty to robbery. Macveigh is also awaiting sentence for stealing a car, and attacking his partner and his mother.
Sheriff Niven-Smith said: ‘The courts have seen a prevalence in the south of England by so-called roadmen causing chaos. I am not going to have it on the streets of Dundee. The victims should be entitled to enjoy nights out without individuals accosting them.’