TWO serial Irvine shoplifters have had their prison sentences extended.

Nicola Pirrie, of South Vennel, and Jardin Miller, of Towerlands Farm Centre, admitted committing thefts in Irvine shops while on bail last year.

Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard last week how Pirrie stole a quantity of washing powder from Iceland in High Street on September 29.

The 41-year-old was witnessed trying to leave the store carrying two boxes of powder. Pirrie admitted defeat when being challenged by staff and handed the goods back.

After viewing CCTV of the incident, police managed to trace Pirrie and cautioned and charged her.

On October 30, Pirrie stole toiletries worth £82.27 from Boots in Lower Vennel. No recovery was made and police were unsuccessful in tracing her.

Miller, 46, admitted stealing a chocolate bar worth 69p from RS McColl in Bridgegate on July 4.

After entering the shop just after 3pm, Miller simply put the item in his jacket pocket and left.

Police again viewed CCTV footage of the incident but were unsuccessful in tracing him. Miller’s thieving continued when he too paid a visit to Iceland.

Miller managed to make off with £2 worth of groceries of which no recovery was made.

The pair appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week and pled guilty.

Both were heard audibly exchanging pleasantries within the dock while Pirrie twice waved to someone in the public benches.

However, their catch-up was short-lived after being separated by G4S security staff.

Their lawyer, Simon Brown, told the court how both were previously sentenced to 14 months in prison for various offences.

He told the court how Pirrie and Miller have been doing well in custody, with Pirrie now being drug free and Miller currently on a drug treatment programme.

But presiding Sheriff Shirley Foran sentenced the couple to four months in prison to run concurrently with their current sentence.