A SERIAL shoplifter, who repeatedly returned to the Tesco supermarket in Alloa to help himself, has been told to “walk the walk” after saying he will change his ways.

Drug addict Alexander Coyle, 37, of Stanton Avenue, Alloa, is currently behind bars for his offending.

That is preventing him from complying with a court order for more thefts.

However, Coyle says he will complete the order when released.

He appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court by video-link from prison.

He had been put on a community payback order on October 10 but then jailed for more offending later that month.

He was given a 200-day prison term and will be released at the start of February.

Coyle repeatedly targeted the Tesco store in Auld Brig Road.

Between August 16 and September 9,  he stole confectionary, a quantity of candles, toys and fragrances, gift sets and two bottles of aftershave.

He also stole from Farmfoods, Shillinghill, Alloa, on August 25.

The overall value of the stolen goods was around £500 and there was no recovery.

Defence solicitor Michael Lowrie previously told the court: “It will come as no surprise that he’s a long-term drug addict and the offences were committed to fund his drug-taking.”

Appearing before Sheriff Elizabeth McFarlane, Coyle said he would comply with the order if given the chance.

The sheriff told him: “You seem to be good at talking the talk not walking the walk. Don’t think you can pull the wool over our eyes.”

She allowed the order to continue when Coyle is released from jail.

The community payback order is for 18 months of supervision and drug treatment as directed.