A THIEF who stole more than £600 worth of ink cartridges from an Ardrossan supermarket in an ill-conceived bid to 'provide for his family' has been warned that 'jail is the only option' if he continues shoplifting.

Cristian Gidu was spared a prison sentence when he appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court this week, having admitted to pocketing the items earlier this year.

The 20-year-old took several cartridges - valued at around £643 - from the Asda store on Harbour Road on July 13.

Gidu's solicitor said that background reports prepared for Tuesday's sentencing hearing were "very positive".

The lawyer also set out the circumstances which drove Gidu, whose address was listed in court papers as Cumbernauld, to commit the offence.

The solicitor said: "He came over to this country for a better life but was struggling to find employment and provide for his young family.

"His mother had also phoned him asking for financial assistance.

"He made the silly decision to steal these items in an attempt to get money."

It was stated in court that Gidu has since gained employment and is earning "good money" as a result.

Gidu's legal representative asked Sheriff Murdoch Mactaggart to step back from imposing a custodial sentence.

The lawyer added: "He accepts full responsibility and is terrified of going to prison.

"This was just a bad decision of a man trying to provide for his family."

Sentencing, Sheriff Mactaggart decided against a period of imprisonment, placing Gidu on a community payback order as a direct alternative.

The order will see Gidu placed under social work supervision for the next nine months, while he has six months to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.

Sheriff Mactaggart added: “Keep this up and you will get the jail. If you become someone who gets a string of shoplifting convictions jail is the only option.”