Edinburgh's Malmaison Hotel thief made getaway on stolen bike

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A thief who made his getaway on a bike after stealing from a safe from a four-star Edinburgh hotel has been jailed for six years and three months.

Kevin Shand, 35, was captured on CCTV wandering in a corridor and the staff room at the Malmaison Hotel in Tower Place, the High Court in Glasgow heard.

As well as the 拢750 bike and safe, a handbag containing a purse, sunglasses, bank cards and a passport were taken.

Shand admitted stealing the items from the hotel on 11 May.

The court heard he was seen on CCTV riding the bike away from the hotel.

He also pleaded guilty to robbing Cashino in Leith Walk, Edinburgh, of 拢3,874 on 15 May while armed with a meat cleaver.

Prosecutor Gordon Lamont said: "The accused removed money from the safe and placed it in his jacket pocket. He also took a small grey bucket containing coins worth in the region of 拢500."

Shand also admitted dangerous driving in North Fort Street, Ferry road, Madiera Street and South Fort Street, Edinburgh, on 16 May.

At one point Shand, who had three previous conviction for dangerous driving, almost crashed with a police car.

He also reversed along Madiera Road at excessive speed. He managed to escape police by driving onto the pavement and over a broken bollard at West Bowling Green Street.

He also pleaded guilty to threatening staff at the underground car park at Ocean Apartments, Western Harbour Midway, Edinburgh, with a knife on 18 May.

The court was told Shand needed money to fed his drug habit and was in debt to dealers.

Lord Boyd said: "Some of these offences arise from your drug debts and attempts to get money to pay them. I require to consider the safety of the public."

Lord Boyd also banned Shand, who is a prisoner in Edinburgh, from driving for nine years.