A HAWICK couple who went on a shoplifting spree to feed their heroin addiction have been ordered to pay more than £500 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Forty eight year old Shaun Trott and Tracy Groat, who is 45, pleaded guilty to stealing food and toiletries from Iceland, Boots and Superdrug in Hawick between August 13 and August 28.

The court was told that the couple were spotted stealing meat to the value of £75 from Iceland on August 13.

They sent a letter to Iceland apologising for their actions which was handed over to the police and three more shoplifting offences later in the month came to light.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme explained how last year the couple invited a friend to stay at their house in Beattie Court who introduced them to heroin.

He said: "They dabbled and became addicted to it. They discovered they had no money left for food or electricity.

"They stole the food to eat and the toiletries to sell."

He added:"They are deeply ashamed of their actions."

Trott and Groat were ordered to pay £35 each to Iceland, £156 each to Boots and £28 each to Superdrug.

In addition, they were both fined £50 for a second shoplifting offence at Boots when there was a full recovery of 27 cans of deodorant.