A SERIAL shoplifter has been jailed for two years after repeatedly targeting Inverclyde stores to commit multiple thefts.

A solicitor representing Port Glasgow man David Morrison described his situation as a 'very, very sad state of affairs' as the 55-year-old was locked up for his latest crime spree.

Morrison, who appeared in handcuffs in the dock, admitted to 11 charges of shoplifting from seven different stores between July last year and this March.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard that he stole food and power tools from Farmfoods, alcohol and food from M&S, booze from Sam's Superstore, more drink from Tesco, a drill from B&Q, fragrances and cosmetics from Superdrug and a make-up bag from Semi Chem.

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No value for the stolen items, or information on whether they were recovered, was provided to the court.

Lawyer Edel McGinty told the court that Morrison's problems with alcohol and substance misuse led him into his life of crime.

Ms McGinty said: "He realises that had he not been remanded into custody he might not be with us today.

"There were times where he was functioning well within the community. He had been doing well and engaging well in short-term rehab.

"He is not someone who is blatantly ignoring court orders or looking to continue his offending behaviour.

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"He receives benefits, spends the money on drugs and his addiction to drugs could only be sustained by stealing alcohol.

"It is a very, very sad state of affairs."

The solicitor said Morrison 'came into a substantial amount of money' through an inheritance, which caused him difficulty at the time.

Jailing Morrison for 24 months, Sheriff Anthony McGeehan said he was 'aware of the unfortunate consequences of that windfall'.

The prison sentence will be backdated to April 4 this year when Morrison was remanded in custody.