AN ALVA man will be sentenced next month after pleading guilty to stealing electricity for more than four years.

Thomas Brownlie appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court on Monday, May 27, and tendered his guilty plea.

His charges state that between November 19, 2013 and January 19, 2018, at his address on Craighorn Road, he intentionally prevented a meter from working and did bypass the meter with a piece of wire.

Brownlie, who is currently serving a custodial sentence of seven months, will be released on June 21, but could be sent straight back to prison if the court deems the offence serious enough.

Sheriff Derek Reekie told the 35-year-old that prison is definitely an option.

According to Susannah Hutchison, prosecuting, the total amount of electricity stolen was £5,207, although this is debated by his defence team, who claim the figure is around £2,000 lower.

The case has been deferred for reports and for the defence and prosecution to settle on a figure, as it could have a significant impact on the sentence.