A SHOPLIFTER strolled out of Tesco with a TV after taking it to a self-service checkout and paying for a carton of apple juice.

Kenneth McKenzie helped himself to the 32-inch set and used a cutting device to remove its security tag.

He then selected the juice carton in a bid to conceal the theft.

Shameless McKenzie, 44, committed the offence at the Greenock store during a rapid five-minute raid in March.

The £249 television has never been recovered.

Prosecutor Joanne Gilmour told the town's sheriff court: "A security guard observed the accused at the TV section.

"He selected a 32-inch set valued at £249, put it in a trolley and cut the security tag.

"The accused proceeded to the self-service checkout area and purchased a carton of apple juice.

"He failed to pay for the television and left the store."

Fiscal depute Ms Gilmour added: "The accused was later detained by police and made no reply when cautioned and charged."

His lawyer, Gerry Keenan, said that he had pleaded guilty to stealing the TV at the first opportunity.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton told McKenzie: "People who choose to go into stores with equipment to cut security tags make these types of cases more serious."

McKenzie, of Newton Street, was sentenced to six months imprisonment.