A serial shoplifter, who targeted a number of shops in Alloa, has been jailed for a year.

Alexander Coyle, 36, of Scott Crescent, Alloa, helped himself to items from the shelves to feed his heroin habit, with Tesco and Poundland among his favourite haunts.

He appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court by video-link from prison, having previously admitted a long list of thefts.

He admitted that on various dates in June, he stole headphones, cleaning items, bedding and homeware items from Tesco in Alloa; cleaning items from B&M in the town's Hiltonhawk Way; and tools from Farmfoods in Shillinghill.

In July, he was back at Tesco, where he stole a quantity of headphones and candles.

And on various dates in September, he stole hair products from Poundland, Shillinghill, on two occasions, as well as a number of gift sets; and stole medical supports from Wells Pharmacy in Alloa's High Street.

Defence solicitor Ken Dalling said his client was a “sneak thief” who stole to feed his drug habit of heroin or alternatively cocaine.

“It’s a sad, sad story,” he added.

Sheriff Neil Bowie jailed Coyle for a year.

He commented that such crime has an impact both on staff and potentially on a store’s “ability to continue trading”.