AN ALVA man took a pill to help him get to sleep but ended up stealing a guitar and health products.

James Jaffray had been struggling following the death of a close family member and took Xanax from a friend.

However, things did not go according to plan and the 31-year-old later found himself arrested for theft.

The incident took place in Menstrie on May 31 this year, with Jaffray pinching a suitcase and its contents, along with a guitar, from a property on Pine Crescent.

He then entered an unsecured car on Blackthorn Grove and stole a "quantity of health products".

Jaffray admitted the offences when he appeared from custody at Alloa Sheriff Court on June 2, and was brought back to the court on Thursday, June 29, for sentencing.

However, it was heard that he had already been made subject to a drug treatment and testing order (DTTO).

His lawyer Claire McCarron said had been making some progress and was engaging with a number of recovery groups in the community.

She added that her client had absolutely no memory of the offences themselves.

Sheriff David Mackie ordered the case be continued for four months to allow Jaffray, of The Wynd, to continue with his DTTO and to show he can be of good behaviour.

He asked that background reports be completed for when the case re-calls in October.