A THIEF who stole a £10 bottle and threatened supermarket staff before being caught with a knife has avoided jail time.

Dean Hunter pleaded guilty to theft, threatening behaviour, and carrying a bladed weapon at the Tesco store on Maybole Road on April 11 this year.

The judge said the 20-year-old would avoid custody due to his age, despite being caught carrying a knife. 

The Procurator Fiscal depute Jade Podlesny told the court: "It was 5.40pm noted the locus had one employee there who recognised him previous dealings and followed and challenged him. 

"At that point the accused became abusive in a raised voice making a scene. This was overheard by another employee who went to assist.

"The accused at that point was getting closer and refused to give the bottle in his hand. 

"He called them 'm*ngos' and then heard threatening witnesses.

"He eventually gave the bottle back and ejected. At that point he shouted 'f*ggots'

"He then threatened to bottle the witness.

"Police arrived and arrested the accused. During a search a blue Stanley blade was found in the accused.

Defence solicitor Katherine Grant said her client 'struggled with alcohol addiction' and 'under the influence' at the time of the 'unacceptable' offence.

She said: "He spent a period in custody for this matter from April 11 to June 26.

"He is aware he is n his final warning. He fully accepts that he needs help."

The court heard it was Hunter's position he had the knife to 'fix his bike', while the judge commented he wasn't sure why he would need a Stanley knife.

Ms Grant added 'regardless it was wholly inappropriate'. 

The sheriff told Hunter he would 'not be sent to detention today despite the fact you had a knife'.

They added: "The reason I am not doing so is because of your young age."

Hunter, of Woodlands Crescent, Ayr, was placed on a community payback order with supervision for 12 months, with an additional requirement to attend alcohol counselling.