A Douglas man has been convicted of stealing perfume from Boots chemist.

Andrew Hall, aged 31, of Murray’s Road, pleaded guilty to a theft charge in magistrates’ court and will be sentenced on July 20 after the preparation of a probation report.

The court heard how, on June 1 at 12.45pm, police were called to the Strand Street store after a report of a man stealing fragrance there.

Security staff reported seeing Hall remove the wrapping from the £29.50 perfume, then taking it out of its box and putting it in his jacket pocket.

He had been carrying items in a basket, but as he left the store without paying for the perfume he left the basket, with the items still in it, at the door.

He was followed by security staff and stopped.

When interviewed by police Hall just said: ’It was a mistake.’

The court heard that Hall had been jailed in February for eight weeks for stealing a pair of trainers but that he was working with the Drug and Alcohol Team to address issues. Bail was granted.