A THIEF who claimed he broke in to and stole from a string of restaurants to pay for a family funeral has been jailed for 18 months.

Douglas McLean carried out the crime spree over almost two years at popular restaurants and bars in Glasgow city centre, pocketing more than £11,000.

He was eventually caught in February last year after he was recognised on CCTV.

The 59-year-old claimed in court that the crimes in 2016 were to pay for a family funeral.

McLean, from Priesthill, admitted breaking in to The Box, a music venue on Sauchiehall Street in December 2014 and stealing £9,795.

He admitted opening a safe at Mexican tapas restaurant Topolabamba on St Vincent Street in January 2015 and stealing £1,381 of money and vouchers.

In October 2016 he broke in to Byron Burger at West George Street with the intention to steal before later the same morning stealing £280 from Bread Meets Bread on St Vincent Street.

His crime spree ended on October 31, 2016 at Indian restaurant Chakoo on St Vincent Street when he broke in with the intention of stealing.

Sheriff Daniel Scullion jailed McLean for 18 months reduced from 21months because he pled guilty.

On each occasion McLean was caught on CCTV cameras.