A SERIAL Irvine thief has been given a chance to prove himself by a sheriff.

Stuart McMullen, 38, admitted stealing a quantity of tools from Irvine’s Homebase on November 20 while on bail.

Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard how McMullen was given a warning after previously being granted bail.

However it only took him a day after his previous bail was imposed to re-offend.

It was at around 6pm that workers in the shop saw McMullen in the staffonly warehouse area of the building.

Members of staff went over to speak with him but McMullen had fled from the scene.

He was spotted on CCTV stealing the items which were valued at £165. Police were contacted and eventually traced McMullen at his residence at Victoria House in Boyle Street but the tools were not recovered.

He appeared at court this week from custody and pled guilty to the offence. His solicitor, Mr Alexander, told the court how McMullen, a man with a substantial record, seemed to be more comfortable in custody after taking only a day to re-offend after his previous bail order.

He added how McMullen realised it was a silly thing to do and had the “good sense” not to ask for bail again. Mr Alexander added how the only positive matter in the case was that McMullen pled guilty at the earliest opportunity.

But McMullen decided to interrupt proceedings by pleading his case directly to presiding Sheriff Elizabeth McFarlane.

He said: “See when you get flung out of prison you don’t get any help.” This prompted a furious response from Sheriff McFarlane who blasted: “That is simply not true Mr McMullen you are not making any effort.

“The system allows you to get help, support and get yourself sorted out.

"I could put you away for a very long time if that’s what you want to do?” A desperate McMullen responded: “I just want someone to help me”.

Sheriff McFarlane added: “Do you want someone to come knocking on your door everyday and help you?

“Are you going to help yourself?” McMullen replied: “Aye. I’ve sorted myself before but I’ve been in and out the jail since I was 15, it’s the only thing I know.” Sheriff McFarlane continued: “You have to get out there and challenge yourself and learn new things.

“You’re only 38, you’re not 90, you’re still young.

“Get yourself sorted out and do not expect everyone to pander to you.” He was sentenced to one-year supervision as an alternative to a custodial sentence.