A Pembroke Dock man with an extensive history of shoplifting has been given a jail sentence after admitting four cases of theft over a four-week period.

Thirty-seven-year-old Luke Brummit, in custody, appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court, on Tuesday, to plead guilty to three counts of stealing wireless headphones from Argos, and also a further charge of taking razor blades and anti-wrinkle cream from Boots.

The court heard how Mr. Brummit stole three sets of Phillips headphones to the value of £89.97 on August 5; three sets again on August 9; and two sets worth £59.98 on August 14.

On September 12, he walked into Boots and took the items from the store without paying.

Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told magistrates that the incidents were captured on CCTV.

Magistrates heard how these latest convictions would be Mr. Brummit’s 279th.

Defence solicitor Jonathan Webb told the court that the thefts were committed for entirely separate reasons.

“He has been in a tempestuous relationship for a number of years with the same lady.

“When they argue, Mr. Brummit gets kicked out. He has suffered with alcoholism for a long time and been battling it for a number of years.

“He had been dry for four years up to this point when his relationship broke down,” explained Mr. Webb.

The court heard how Mr. Brummit went drinking on a bender for over a week, and stole in an attempt to fund the alcohol.

He also stole on one occasion when looking after his daughter when his partner went away, as he had no money to feed her.

Magistrates heard how the defendant was arrested in front of his daughter.

“Mr. Brummit has even been given an electronic breathalyser by police so that they can monitor him, helping them identify if he’s been abusing alcohol, as it is the trigger for him doing something,” continued Mr. Webb.

“His antecedent history is horrendous, but he is working as hard as he possibly can to change,” he added.

Magistrates gave Mr. Brummit 16 weeks custody to run concurrently for each of the four offences.

He was ordered to pay compensation of £239.92 to Argos, and £30 to Boots, and to pay prosecution costs of £170 and a £115 victim surcharge.