A Pembroke man has had to pay a penalty in court after admitting stealing pairs of Cristiano Ronaldo pants.

Fifty-year-old Paul Anthony Clawson, of Grove Way, pleaded guilty to stealing clothing and cosmetics to the value of £58.29 from B&M Stores in Pembroke Dock, when he appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Prosecutor Ellie Morgan told the court that police were called by the store manager on November 4 after CCTV had captured the defendant taking the items and leaving the premises without paying.

“Initially Mr. Clawson made some purchases in the store at around 2 pm and left, but then was seen to come back and put further items, including packs of Cristiano Ronaldo men’s underwear into his bag, with packaging being found on the shop floor,” she said.

“That evening, police officers called at Mr. Clawson’s home address and found six pairs of Ronaldo underwear and two packs of face wipes. The defendant accepted that he left the store without paying for the items and was arrested,” continued Ms Morgan, who told the court that offences of theft were a regular appearance on Mr. Clawson’s record, along with drugs matters.

“Mr. Clawson told officers in interview that he was under the influence of prescription medication at the time of the offence,” she added.

Defence solicitor Mark Layton told the court that his client had a ‘considerable record,’ but that this was the first matter of a similar nature in over three years.

“Substance misuse had been a long term problem. He has gone into the store not intending to steal items, but has taken them somewhat impulsively,” he said.

Magistrates heard that Mr. Clawson owed a ‘substantial’ amount to the court in fines already, with £1,315 still due.

He was fined a further £120 for this latest offence and ordered to pay compensation of £28.97 to the B&M Store in Pembroke Dock.

Mr. Clawson was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a £30 victim surcharge.