A BONHILL man who has 47 previous convictions for shoplifting returned to his old ways after a 14 year break.

Derek Ross, 37, of Redburn, went on a shoplifting spree on successive days in Clydebank last month.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard on Friday how Ross stole a quantity of alcohol from ASDA, Clydebank on October 9 and the following day he stole a quantity of sweets and toiletries from Poundland.

At the time of both offences he was on bail from Dumbarton Sheriff Court on July 25 and August 23.

Prosecutor Craig Wainwright said: “At 3.30pm on October he was stopped by security staff in ASDA Clydebank after they recognised him as the person who had stolen £11 worth of alcohol the previous day.

“The theft had been captured on CCTV. He was taken to Clydebank police office.

“He was searched and found to be in possession of a number of items which had been stolen from Poundland.”

Defence lawyer Lauren Kerr went on: “He fully accepts his behaviour was unacceptable.

“He is ashamed to have been acting in this manner. He was intoxicated. Although he has a history of offending, the last time he was sent to prison was 2003.

“He has had a long term heroin addiction and has been on a methadone programme.”

Sheriff John Hamilton told Ross: “You have 47 previous convictions for shoplifting, the last of them in 2003, with your last conviction for dishonesty being 14 years ago.

“I take that into account and will not impose a custodial sentence, but only just. Instead, I will impose a community payback order, but this will be as a direct alternative to custody.

“You will be under supervision for 12 months and during that time perform 160 hours of unpaid work, which is reduced from 240 hours because of your early plea, you are given credit for that.”

Ross will return to court on January 26, 2018, for a community payback review.

“I intend to keep a close eye on you,” said the sheriff.