THE 'jig is up' for a shoplifter convicted of stealing hundreds of pounds worth of booze from stores throughout Inverclyde, Greenock Sheriff Court has heard.

Joanna Leighton lifted alcohol from the Co-op premises in Kilmacolm in October 2021 before taking more drink, along with some candles, from Port Glasgow's Marks & Spencer supermarket the following month.

The 44-year-old also took quantities of alcohol from the Co-op in Wemyss Bay on October 5 last year and again just four days later.

Procurator fiscal depute Fergus Warner told a sentencing hearing at the court that the total value of the thefts was more than £300 and said none of the stolen items were recovered.

Defence solicitor Edward Sweeney said the 'jig is up' for Leighton, and told the court: "It is acknowledged that the combination of these complaints puts her at jeopardy of her first custodial sentence.

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"However, there appears to be an alternative.

"She is very far from unintelligent but it appears to be a situation where her adult life has been blighted by addiction.

"She has had decades of issues with drugs and for her own self-preservation she has to do something about this."

Sheriff James Spy decided to place Leighton, of the town's Westburn Buildings, on a 15-month supervision order and she must attend drug rehabilitation services.

She was also ordered to complete a total of 150 hours of unpaid work within 12 months and a review hearing has been scheduled for January 31.