A BOLD as brass thief grabbed a fleece jacket from a supermarket sales rail and put it on after ripping off the security tag.

Marc Pert then promptly strolled over to the mobile phone department of Greenock Tesco and helped himself to a number of sim cards.

Pert, 35, lashed out in a drug-fuelled rage at security guards who moved in on him and marched him to their office to await police.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard how he committed the offences at 8.20am on February 3.

Prosecutor Lindy Scaife said: "The accused entered Tesco and made his way to the male clothing department.

"He picked up a fleece jacket, removed its security tag and put it on.

"The accused then went to the phone store and picked up a packet of sim cards.

"He opened it and removed the sims and then replaced the empty packet on the shelf."

Fiscal depute Ms Scaife added: "He was apprehended by a security guard and was escorted to the security office by two guards.

"On approaching the room the accused shouted and swore in stating, 'Take your hands off me, you can't put your hands on me'.

"At this point he lashed out and there was a struggle with the two guards.

"Police were contacted and he told the officers that he had swallowed heroin.

"He was cautioned and charged and taken to hospital."

Pert's lawyer said: "He had been living in Greenock at the time of the offence and he fell into old habits.

"On the day in question he had unfortunately taken an illegal substance and he is deeply embarrassed by his actions that day.

"He moved back to his home town and has secured employment with a salmon factory."

Sentence on Pert, whose address was not given in court, has been deferred until June 5 for a background report.