A thief stole £300 worth of Christmas gifts from under a family's tree.

Marc Henderson broke into the flat in Tillydrone, Aberdeen, on December 20 last year.

As well as children's gifts, the 32-year-old stole an iPad and £90 in cash from a jar.

He was identified by neighbours who had seen him loitering nearby beforehand.

Defence lawyer Alex Burn said his client was ashamed of his actions and explained he stole to fund his drug habit, which had been "spiralling out of control".

Mr Burn added: "He's probably one of the most decent and nicest clients that I have.

"He is polite and courteous and attends the office when he's supposed to be there."

Sheriff Andrew Miller deferred sentence for drug tests and treatment at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Friday.