A PORT Glasgow woman stole more than £500 worth of goods during a spree of 17 separate shoplifting raids.

Jamie Lee Kerr, 34, stole fragrances, sweets, booze, food, toiletries, razor blades, skin care products, laundry items and vape cartridges between November 2020 and June 2022.

The thief also lifted clothing at Morrisons supermarket in Greenock, pretended she had bought the items and attempted to induce staff into giving her a 'refund'.

Kerr, of Markinch Road in the Port, targeted the Co-op on Dubbs Road on eight occasions, Boots at the Port's retail park three times, the Shore Street Co-op in Gourock three times, Morrisons twice and Lloyds Pharmacy in the Port once.

Her total haul was valued at £505. The stolen merchandise was not recovered.

Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher told Greenock Sheriff Court: "The situation at the time of the commission of these offences was that Miss Kerr had addiction difficulties.

"She went to a residential rehab centre called Steps to Hope in Edinburgh and she has been able to wean herself off of methadone.

"Her position is that she had certain mental health difficulties as well."

The court was told that Kerr went on to breach a community payback order imposed on her for other crimes and failed to appear at court for sentencing in relation to that matter.

Sheriff Sheena Fraser said: "I am persuaded to see whether an alternative to custody is a viable option but I am not persuaded that you should get bail for the preparation of reports."

Sentence on Kerr has been deferred to April 4 for a background report and electronic tagging assessment to be prepared.

She has been remanded in custody until then.