A MAN caught with a knife after he was spotted shoplifting has been jailed for 14 months.

Joseph McGrath, 39, was found with the blade at Lidl in Maryhill on October 27.

Staff spotted McGrath pick up four boxes of detergent which cost £52.

Fiscal Mark Allan, told Glasgow Sheriff Court that McGrath made no attempt to pay for the items.

The goods were later recovered and the police were contacted.

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Mr Allan said: "Officers spoke to McGrath and they recovered a Stanley knife from his jacket pocket."

McGrath pleaded guilty to stealing and having a knife in a public place without a reasonable excuse or lawful authority.

Grazia Robertson, defending, told the court that her client "accepts full responsibility" for the crime.

Sheriff Tom Hughes, stated to McGrath: "I have heard the circumstances as to what happened here.

"You have a poor record of previous convictions and I will take account that you are pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity."