You know you have done wrong when you have been banned from setting foot in an entire retail park but that did not stop one offender from waltzing into stores to thieve and cause trouble.

William Marshall, 42, has been said to be just as addicted to stealing items from shops as he is to alcohol and that he has to start accepting help to deal with his problems.

Appearing from custody via video link at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday, Marshall had pleaded guilty to numerous offences – most involving theft and breaches of his bail conditions to stay out of Falkirk Central Retail Park.

The most recent offences saw him steal clothing from Sports Direct, Falkirk Central Retail Park, and behave in a threatening manner towards a retail worker in a store in Grahams Road, Falkirk, on September 22.

Marshall had been banned from entering Falkirk Central Retail Park (Picture: Michael Gillen)

placeholder image — Marshall had been banned from entering Falkirk Central Retail Park (Picture: Michael Gillen)

He also breached his bail conditions by entering Currys PC World, Falkirk Central Retail Park, on September 30.

These crimes were committed just after Marshall had been released from prison. It was stated he found it difficult to adjust to life away from custody.

"The accused had bail conditions not to enter Falkirk Central Retail Park,” said the procurator fiscal depute. “It was 4pm when the witness commenced duty as security at the retail park.

"The accused entered Sports Direct and left with a black fleece worth £80 without paying for it.”

Marshall was later spotted still holding the fleece with it still on the hanger and tags still on it. He ran off towards Falkirk town centre with the security staff following him on foot.

On another occasion Marshall returned to the retail park, entering the Tesco store there and trying to pinch six steaks. He entered another store and threatened to “batter” staff and stab them because they would not give him a new phone.

"It was 3.30pm and the accused entered PC World in the Central Retail Park despite his bail conditions not to enter that store. Witnesses approached him, saying he was not allowed to enter the store.”

The court heard Marshall had been remanded in custody since October 1.

Defence solicitor Simon Hutchison said: “This is a 42-year-old man who I’ve know since he was 16. He has difficulties accepting the help he is given. he has spent a significant amount of time in custody.

"He just got out of custody in September and found it very difficult to cope. The worry is he has become happy in custody because it is difficult for him to adjust to normal living on the outside."

Addressing Marshall, Sheriff Elizabeth McFarlane said: “This report is pretty depressing. I can keep locking you up, but ultimately you do have to come out and live a normal life.

"I’m not sure we are closed to that. It seems you are as addicted to stealing as you are to alcohol. You need to accept help.”

She sent Marshall, 89 Woodburn Crescent, Bonnybridge, to prison for eight months backdated to October 1 and left his existing community payback order in place.