A THIEF who stole nearly £1,000 worth of items in break-ins to garden sheds in Greenock has been spared prison.

David McAlpine had been warned he was facing the prospect of jail for a string of early morning thefts on Brachelston Street.

But Sheriff Daniel Kelly decided to place the 23-year-old on an electronic tag and force him to pay compensation instead.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard how McAlpine stole three mountain bikes, a strimmer and a chainsaw on November 14 last year.

Prosecutor David Glancy said: "A witness, on hearing a male voice or voices, saw the accused leaning into a neighbouring shed, which had its door opened.

"Items were being taken out and put over a fence at the far end of the garden.

"The witness contacted the police, officers attended, sheds were checked and it turned out that another shed had also been forced."

The court was told how residue from a tin of paint knocked over within one of the sheds was on McAlpine's clothing when he was arrested.

Fiscal depute Mr Glancy said: "A call came in regarding two males moving along the backs of houses further along the street and officers were redirected and intercepted the accused.

"He dropped what he had and made off.

"He was chased and caught."

McAlpine, of Collingwood Terrace in Gourock, stole items with a total value of £950, however, £650 worth was recovered.

He also reset a pair of stolen mobile phones.

His lawyer, Gerry Keenan, said: "He is still a young boy at 23.

"The common thread is the ingestion of fortified drink and drugs and it would appear that drink and drugs have underpinned his behaviour."

Sheriff Kelly ordered McAlpine to remain at home between 8pm and 7am each day, placed him under supervision for 12 months and told him he must pay £300 compensation to his victims.