A SHOPLIFTER who was caught stealing razor blades from an Ayr supermarket was later found to be carrying a Stanley knife.

Kevin McManus, 39, admitted stealing £42 worth of razors from the Tesco store on Whitletts Road on April 7 last year.

After police arrived at the store, McManus was then found with the bladed item in the left pocket, without any reasonable excuse.

Procurator fiscal depute Rosslyn Walsh said: “At 2.30pm the witness was working as a security officer and saw the accused enter the store.

“Viewing CCTV he saw him removing a tag from razors and then put in his pocket.

“He contacted the manager. They then saw the accused at the self service attempt to pay by card."

Ms Walsh said McManus's attempts to pay by card appeared to be unsuccessful and that he then tried to leave the shop.

She continued: “At 2.50pm officers were actioned to attend, and on arrival placed the accused under arrest.

“A Stanley knife was recovered from his left trouser pocket.

“He was conveyed to Saltcoats police office.”

Defence solicitor Steven Maxwell said: “He appears on indictment due to his record.

“I expect the court’s going to call for reports. I think reports would be helpful and he has nothing else outstanding.”

Sheriff Mhairi MacTaggart deferred sentence for background reports and a restriction of liberty order assessment.

Bail was continued and the Viewfield Gate resident will return for sentencing at a later date.