Prisoner freed from Glasgow Sheriff Court by pretending to be a man due for release

A prisoner was accidently freed from custody at a court after pretending to be a man who was due to be released.

Alan Galbraith claimed to be a Stuart Gallagher when the name was called by security staff at Glasgow Sheriff Court on January 30, 2023.

Galbraith, 40, was allowed to exit the court with the real Stuart Gallagher’s belongings including £120 in cash.

The error was later noticed but Galbraith was not traced until the following day when he was arrested.

Galbraith pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to a string of charges including fraud and theft.

He was jailed on Wednesday for 29 months by Sheriff Michael Hanlon.

The court heard that Galbraith had stolen a purse, a laptop, jewellery and a mobile phone from two students at their dorms on January 27, 2023.

Galbraith was traced after one of the victims gave a location to police from the ‘Find My Phone’ app.

Galbraith appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on January 30 in relation to the matters having been remanded in custody.

Prosecutor Jeremy O’Neill said: “While he was in line at the charge bar to be processed, a member of security staff called the name ‘Stuart Gallagher’.

“At this point Galbraith stepped forward and confirmed himself to be Stuart Gallagher.

“He was taken to a desk at the bar where he confirmed his name to be Stuart Gallagher.

“The actual Stuart Gallagher was to be released from court.”

Security prepared Stuart Gallagher’s possessions which were then given to Galbraith.

Mr O’Neill added: “Galbraith signed the bail papers belonging to Stuart Gallagher and he was allowed to exit the court while still in possession of the items which included £120 cash.”

The security officer later realised his mistake and informed the police.

Galbraith was initially unable to be traced and checks were carried out with his known associates.

He was eventually picked up the following day at 5.30pm in the city centre’s Argyle Street where he was arrested.

The court heard of and earlier incident when Galbraith was caught inside a flat in the city’s Dumbarton Road.

When confronted by the owner Galbraith claimed he was a KFC delivery driver and stated: “You left your door open.”

In another incident, Galbraith was challenged by another homeowner who caught him trying to force his door open.

Galbraith said: “Have you ordered a pizza?” before leaving.

Slices of pizza were later found in the close of the property which contained Galbraith’s DNA.

His DNA was also found on a mobile phone left at a property where he had taken a laptop, a games console and bottles of aftershave.