A MAN who stole electric drills from a Galashiels store has been fined £300 at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Fifty-nine-year-old Keith Mearns, from Bathgate, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened at B&Q in Wilderhaugh on December 19.

Prosecutor India McLean said a B&Q worker was alerted to a security alarm at around 12.30pm and saw the accused leaving the store with a drill under one arm and carrying another one.

She shouted at him but he carried on walking and was heading towards the town centre and the police were called.

Officers caught up with Mearns and recovered the drills which were valued at £430.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said his client had been struggling with alcohol addiction.

He said a friend had offered him electrician work and had brought him to Galashiels.

Sheriff Janys Scott told Mearns: "It is lucky for you that there was a full recovery."

In addition to the fine a £20 victim surcharge was imposed.