A MAN called a shop worker a "suicide bomber" in just one of a series of city-wide thefts he claims not to remember.

During another incident he kicked a security guard in the genitals.

Steven Smith was slapped with a jail sentence after a court heard he stole alcohol, clothes and computer tablets from various shops across Glasgow.

The 41-year-old took booze from Lidl in the city centre, £240 worth of clothing from John Lewis and two computer tablets from Toys R Us.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard he was also found in a car that police believe he intended to steal.

Smith's defence lawyer said drink was the cause of his client's problems.

He said: "Alcohol is a very difficult matter for Mr Smith.

"He doesn't remember the crimes.

"He has a long standing and very deep rooted alcohol dependency at this point in time.

"There is hope within the [criminal justice social work] report and he has been on remand and doing well.

"There must be some hope for him.

"He used to use heroin but hasn't taken any for around eight to 10 months.

"His mum and dad would welcome him to the new family home."

The court heard that on April 5, 2017, Smith was caught stealing alcohol worth £20.48 from Lidl on Jamaica Street.

During the raid, Smith lashed out at a security guard, kicking him in the genitals with his right foot.

On a separate charge, Smith was caught stealing two computer tablets from Toys R Us at The Forge Shopping Centre on December 16, 2015.

He had been seen acting suspiciously by shop staff who followed him into the store's car park.

Witnesses said Smith was "heavily intoxicated" and asked him to come back into the shop to wait for police, which he did.

The accused then noticed the name Shezad on a staff member's name badge and said to the worker: "You're one of those suicide bombers.

"You're one of the Paris attackers."

On another charge, Smith was found in a motor vehicle on July 28, 2015, which police believe he meant to steal.

And on a final charge, Smith, of Charles Street, Royston, stole clothing from John Lewis worth £240 on June 14, 2017.

Sheriff Daniel Kelly said: "There is no alternative other than a spell in prison."

Smith was sentenced to four months in prison for each of the thefts and admonished on the charge of intent to commit theft of the motor vehicle.

Each four month stretch will be served consecutively so Smith will spend 12 months in prison.