Thief stole handbags containing a total of nearly £1,000 in cash from women in Greenock

David Loveman, 56, targeted his female victims in local supermarkets Tesco, Morrisons and Iceland over the course of just seven days.

In one snatch at Iceland on Westburn Street he made off with a bag containing £750 in cash, as well as a mobile phone, bank cards and a photo album.

But despite the catalogue of thefts, failing to complete an unpaid work order for a dangerous drug-driving offence and sparking a warrant for his arrest after failing to turn up at court, Loveman could receive a community-based disposal instead of jail time.

His lawyer, David Tod, has asked for a drug treatment and testing order to be considered as an alternative to custody.

The request has led to sentencing in the much delayed case being put back until the new year — nearly 14 months after the offences were committed.

Loveman also swiped a bag containing a bus pass, £100, bank cards and keys from a woman in Tesco.

In another theft from a woman in Morrisons he stole a bag with £40 and a purse with bank cards and personal papers.

His total cash haul from the offences — committed between November 23 and 30 last year — was £890.

Loveman, of Regent Street, had also been charged with another handbag theft at Tesco, however, his not guilty plea to this allegation was accepted by prosecutors.

As a result of his court no-show in March, prior to the coronavirus lockdown, the case became part of a huge backlog of matters which have not been dealt with as a result of restrictions placed on the sheriff court due to the pandemic.

Loveman failed to complete his unpaid work order for a dangerous drug-driving offence he committed nearly five years ago.

He drove a silver-coloured Renault Megane convertible on the wrong side of Drumfrochar Road during hours of darkness — with the car's headlights not illuminated.

He was was caught after a police officer in a patrol car had to swerve to avoid colliding with his vehicle.

Loveman later drove his car towards an officer, then reversed, causing the driver of another police vehicle to take avoiding action.

Mr Tod said: "He did 100 hours (of the unpaid work) before he, not to put too fine a point on it, went on a drugs binge.

"A drug treatment and testing order would ensure he does not have recourse to drugs."

Solicitor Mr Tod said of the thefts: "The matters are despicable.

"When he is in his sober senses there is no-one who thinks them more despicable than Mr Loveman.

"He is 56 years of age and has started offending at the top end rather than the bottom."

Mr Tod added: "There is a recommendation in the background report for a drug treatment assessment to be carried out.

"He is someone whom if he's not taking drugs he's not committing offences."

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre remarked: "These are offences which clearly cross the threshold for custody, however, his record is not particularly extensive for his age."

The sheriff told Loveman: "Your community payback order for the older case has 49 hours remaining and it will now be varied to 100 hours which must be completed within six months.

"I will continue the main case for a drug treatment and testing order (DTTO) assessment but I'm definitely not promising a DTTO, even if it's recommended.

"If you don't do the unpaid work you can be resigned to the fact that I'll not be impressed and that I'd consider you not to be committed to any of this."

Matters are due to call again on January 6.