A MASKED man who bungled a robbery in Sauchie has been warned to expect a "lengthy custodial sentence" when he returns to court next month.

Daniel McLellan went into the paper shop at 6.30am on June 27, with his hood up and face obscured with a scarf.

However, he was told by the woman behind the counter that he wouldn't be served unless he lowered the clothing from his face.

Prosecutor Ruaraidh Ferguson, speaking at Falkirk Sheriff Court yesterday, said: "He pulled the scarf down slightly and removed his hood.

"He was then offered service, and pulled out a black bag and said: 'I'll tell you what you can do, you can put all your money in there'."

The shop worker asked him if he was joking, but then noticed he had a knife in his hand – though he did not threaten her with it.

Mr Ferguson said: "She advised the accused that he wouldn't get much money at that time of day, and also that he was on CCTV."

A customer then came into the Main Street store and noticed the employee was "distressed".

He asked her if she was all right, and McLellan fled. The customer gave chase, but was unable to catch him.

Police arrived "quite quickly", and found McLellan at home nearby, together with the knife, scarf, bag and hoodie.

He told officers he was "looking for £80 to cover a drug debt".

Mr Ferguson added: "He said that he had a bad heroin habit that he struggled to fund."

The CCTV was checked, and had recorded the entire incident.

McLellan, 26, of Sauchie, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and was remanded in custody to allow for background inquiries.

Sheriff Craig Caldwell, presiding, told him: "I'm going to adjourn for a report so that I can be informed as to the extent of your heroin use and its effects on your mental health.

"You should understand that it is extremely unlikely that there will be any alternative but to impose a lengthy custodial sentence."