A SHOP worker who stole £1,500 worth of scratchcards was left scratching his head - after he won NOTHING, a court heard.

Andrew Lochrie, 28, helped himself to rolls of the National Lottery instants games from the supermarket where he worked hoping to clear mounting debts.

But over the course of his crimes, between August 1 and October 24, 2017, Lochrie won nothing - which a judge told him was “a lesson”.

Lochrie worked at the Co-op supermarket on Shore Street, Gourock, Inverclyde, and eventually admitted to his employers what he had done.

He pleaded guilty at Greenock Sheriff Court.

Defending, Edel McGinty said: "There was an investigation within the workplace and he made full and frank admissions to his employers.

"He is filled with shame and regret.

“It is not lost on Mr Lochrie that he was in a position of trust.

“This was an act of desperation at a desperate time."

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre said: "That is a lesson in itself that £1,500 worth of scratchcards didn't yield anything.

"This was a hopeless attempt by you to address your problem.

"You were in a position of trust.

“This offence crosses the threshold for prison but the social work department has made it plain that you are suitable for a community-based disposal."

Lochrie, who now has a job elsewhere, was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work within nine months.

He was also ordered to pay the Co-op £1,500 in compensation.