A THIEF swiped £75 worth of mobile phone cases from a sales stall in the Oak Mall.

James Harvey, 46, lifted a tarpaulin covering the closed Mobile Extra stand and helped himself to the items.

Mall security staff who were monitoring him on CCTV alerted police.

Harvey, who committed the offence last May, stated to an officer: "Sorry boss."

Sheriff Joseph Hughes has deferred sentence for good behaviour.

Harvey, of Moidart Road, Port Glasgow, is due back in court on the matter in December.