A THIEF who admitted stealing goods from supermarkets in Prestonpans has been placed on a drug programme.

Alexander Stewart stole quantities of detergent, meat and food stuffs from the Co-op stores on the town’s High Street and Mid Road on various dates last November.

Stewart, of Inchview North, Prestonpans, also pleaded guilty to shouting and uttering threats to cause damage during an incident at High Street, Prestonpans, on November 1 last year.

Stewart, 42, was placed on a drug treatment and testing order for the next 12 months in a bid to curb his drug habit and the related offending.

A not guilty plea to being found within a vehicle with the intent to steal at Dolphingstone View, Tranent, on May 9 this year was accepted by the Crown.

Stewart admitted stealing detergent from the Mid Road Co-op on October 15, a quantity of meat and food from the same store on November 1, and a quantity of meat from the High Street store on November 12, all last year.

Pleas of not guilty to four similar offences were accepted by the Crown.