A Musselburgh man has been placed on a drug treatment programme in a bid to curb his offending.

Steven Hay, 44, was caught stealing food and alcohol from the Co-op supermarket in North Berwick on November 14 last year. Hay was also found to have taken similar goods from the Co-op at Links Road in Port Seton on January 16 this year.

He attended the store at about 5.20pm and was seen heading towards the exit while carrying a basket of goods.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court was told there was “no attempt to pay” for the items, which included a bottle of whisky, and he was approached by staff member Fraser Walker.

Hay tried to leave the supermarket and Mr Walker “tried to stop him” resulting in the thief punching him twice on the hand.

Hay managed to flee the store with the goods which were said to amount to £37 and there was no recovery.

The court was told of a separate offence where Hay was caught with a mobile phone while inside Edinburgh Prison.

Hay was working within the prison kitchen at about 3pm on February 20 last year when he was searched by prison officers. He denied having any item concealed on him but the officers discovered the phone hidden in his right sock.

Hay, of Ravensheugh Road, appeared at the capital’s sheriff court last Tuesday where he pleaded guilty to all three offences.

Solicitor Angela Craig said her client had “a long history of drug use” and was keen to have all the outstanding matters brought together.

Sheriff Adrian Fraser said “the court could easily impose a custodial sentence” for the offences but decided to follow the recommendation of sentencing Hay to be placed on a drug treatment and testing order.