A teenager who stole from shops in Galashiels was jailed for four months at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday.
Mark McCarry, 18, claimed he had no money or food, and was hungry when he stole muffins from Asda.
McCarry, of Croft Street, Galashiels, admitted five charges of shoplifting from Boots, the Galapark Co-op and Farren Pharmacy between December 10 and February 6. He also pleaded guilty to shouting and swearing in Gala Water Retail Park, Galashiels, on January 7, and possession of cannabis at nearby Paton Street on January 21.
McCarry received a concurrent four-month prison sentence after he admitted stealing muffins worth £2 from Asda on February 28. He was also sentenced to 140 days’ imprisonment – again to run concurrently – for stealing a bottle of alcohol from the Co-op in Roxburgh Street, Kelso, on March 6.
Tessa Bradley, prosecuting, said McCarry offended when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Mat Patrick, defending, told the court: “The only offence not committed when he was under the influence is the theft of the muffins. He says he had no electricity and no money for food, and committed this theft to eat. All the unrecovered items were sold for drink or drugs.”