A TRANENT thief stole a bank card after breaking into a car outside an Edinburgh sports club.

Colin Nichol then bought goods from a nearby Sainsbury’s store and a BP garage with the stolen card.

Nichol, of Baxter’s Gate, also took a phone, a jacket and set of keys from inside Colinton Sports Club on March 27.

Nichol appeared in front of Sheriff Cottam at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, where he was handed an opportunity to avoid custody by being placed on an 18-month drug treatment and testing order.

The sheriff has set down a review of 44-year-old Nichol’s progress on the order later this year.

Nichol admitted stealing items from the sports club and the bank card from the vehicle parked outside on March 27. He also pled guilty to using the card to buy goods with a total £36.40 on the same date.