A Milford man who stole food and candles from stores in the town has appeared in court.
Twenty-eight-year-old Darren Martin Roberts, of Larch Road, Mount Estate appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday, charged with stealing a pint of milk, a pack of sandwiches and numerous other groceries worth £20 from Mount Stores on May 20; and the theft of candles valued at £26 from Home Bargains on May 26.
Prosecutor Abul Hussain told the court that the Mr. Roberts had gone into the Mount Stores post office and put the items into his carrier bag without paying before he was confronted by staff members.
On the second charge, he had entered the Home Bargains store and tried to take the candles without paying, and was arrested later that day.
“In a police interview, he said that he stole the food items because he was feeling hungry that day. The candles were recovered. He has been out of trouble with the courts since 2009,” explained Mr. Hussain.
Defence solicitor Jonathan Webb told the court that Mr. Roberts had already made good his debt to the post office, apologised and paid them back.
“He was short of money at the time. When he took the candles, he was genuinely shopping, and had no intention to steal.
“He found that he had passed through the till area without paying, got scared and got cold feet.
“He hung around the area for a bit and when people challenged him, he made off without the items,” added Mr. Webb.
Magistrates handed Mr. Roberts a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a £20 victim surcharge.