A SERIAL thief who stole a bike from a supermarket has been given a chance to prove himself.

John McConville, of Irvine’s Aberfeldy Terrace, committed the theft from Aldi, East Road, on May 13 last year.

The 32-year-old pled guilty last week and appeared from custody at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court.

James Irvine, defending, revealed his client was previously placed on a supervision order for 18 months in March 2015.

Quoting from the report, Mr Irvine said social workers believed McConville had “made improvement in his overall attitude and is making positive progress in all areas”.

Mr Irvine said McConville revealed to him this is the longest time he had managed to say out of trouble - having been jailed 30 times in the last 10 years.

Sheriff Iona McDonald said: “As my mother used to say at 32 you’re all the man you’re ever going to be.

“Quite an impressive social work report, you’re the only person that can turn your life around. If you keep stealing though Mr McConville you’re telling me you want to go to jail.”

McConville was sentenced to 15 months supervision and ordered to pay £200 compensation for the stolen bike which was not recovered.