A THIEF who left his DNA at a Galashiels hairdressers has been jailed for 16 months.

Gary Stewart stole a set of hair straighteners during the break-in at Moira's Salon in Gala Park on January 30, 2015.

When police interviewed the 24-year-old they also found him in possession of a bag containing medication and prescribed drugs which had been stolen during a raid on a chemist's shop.

Stewart of Church Square in Galashiels pleaded guilty to the offences shortly before a jury trial was due to get underway.

Stewart admitted stealing a set of hair straighteners.

And he also admitted a charge of reset of a blue Adidas bag containing a large amount of medication and prescription drugs that had been stolen during a break-in at a local pharmacy.

The court heard access was gained to the haidresser's by smashing a glass panel in the door .

Drops of blood were found in the shop and after tests it was found the DNA matched Stewart's.

When police visited his home on February 23 he was found in possession of the chemist's drugs.

Tessa Bradley, prosecuting, said: "The hairdresser's was broken into by means of smashing a glass panel in the door of the shop.

"The only item that appears to have been taken is a set of hair straighteners.

"Drops of blood were found in the premises and the proprietor was able to confirm they had not been there previously.

"DNA testing confirmed that the blood drops matched the DNA of Mr Stewart.

"The straightener's were later recovered from the house above where Mr Stewart was staying."

A local pharmacy had also been broken into and prescribed drugs and medication stolen.

Police received information linking Stewart to the medication.

When officers visited him they discovered the blue Adidas bag containing the items.

Ms Bradley added: "It was clear he was aware that the person he had bought it from had got them illegally."

Not guilty pleas to four other offences including a break-in at a beautician's shop in Elm Row, and a house in Lawyer's Brae were accepted by the Crown.

Stewart's lawyer said his client had a long standing problem with the misuse of alcohol and drugs.

He added that Stewart was realistic about the options open to the sheriff because of his record.

The lawyer said: "At the time of the offence he was homeless and was staying with people."

Sheriff Kevin Drummond said he was taking into account Stewart's lengthy record of previous convictions.

He imposed a 13 month jail sentence for the break-in to the hairdressing salon and 16 months for the reset of the medication and prescribed drugs - both sentences to run concurrently.