A PAIR of serial shoplifters with links to two of Scotland's most notorious crime families have been jailed for a combined total of 27 months.

Annette Daniel, sister of gangster Jamie Daniel, was sentenced to 15 months in prison while Jean Donnelly, part of Glasgow's McGovern family, was ordered to serve 12 months for their part in stealing goods worth more than £2000 from stores in Edinburgh and Braehead.

At Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Sheriff Kenneth Maciver told Daniel, 52, and Donnelly, 47: "There is no alternative in my view except a custodial sentence.

"A strong message must be sent out."

Daniel, 52, had denied stealing a handbag from a Harvey Nichols store in Edinburgh on October 2012, and, along with Donnelly, 47, stealing cosmetics from Space Nk in George Street on the same day.

The pair also denied the theft from Zara in Princes Street on October 28 and stealing from the Ellis Brigham store in Braehead on November 25, 2012.

Daniel and Donnelly were found guilty by a majority for the Zara theft, but guilty unanimously on the other charges. Sheriff Maciver was told that Daniel had a record of previous convictions going back two decades.

Eight of the convictions were for shoplifting, but, said defence advocate, Tony Lenehan, the biggest single sentence had been one of six months last year.

Gordon Williams, appearing for Donnelly, told the Sheriff both accused were "realistic about his limited options" when it came to sentencing. His client's record dated back 25 years, mainly for shoplifting.