A SUPERMARKET SWEEP-STYLE thief gathered goods worth £430 then tried to leave without paying.

Jason Mooney’s efforts at stealing were described as “amateurish” by his own solicitor.

Mooney, 24, of Gilfillan Road, Dunfermline, appeared from custody at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on Monday at Tesco, Turnstone Road, Dunfermline, he stole a quantity of DVDs and electrical items.

Depute fiscal Sarah Lumsden said there was full recovery of the items.

Defence solicitor Brian Tait told the court: “He knows he’s been drinking at the last chance saloon for a while now.

“In this case, it was a fairly amateurish attempt at shoplifting. He was caught near to the check-outs.

“He had been approached that day by individuals he owed money to and was told he had to provide items for them. He tried to oblige and was caught.”

Sheriff Craig McSherry deferred sentence until January 31 when Mooney has other matters calling in court.