Overhearing a conversation that alcohol was being stored at 'insecure' lorries in Narberth resulted in a man appearing in court this week.
Twenty-two-year-old James Rhys Nicholas stole a quantity of beer, spirits and soft drinks, valued at around £90, from vehicles parked in an enclosed yard at the town's National Weaving Company in Redstone Road last Monday night, magistrates sitting in Tenby heard on Tuesday.
Nicholas, a trainee in the merchant navy, had been on his way home to Fishguard with a friend after visiting his girlfriend in Saundersfoot when he 'foolishly' decided to go and 'have a look' after overhearing the conversation in a public house that the lorries were insecure and people were going and 'helping themselves'.
"As he was passing the premises, a light bulb flashed above his head and he foolishly sought to have a look," defence solicitor, Mr. James Subbiani, told the bench.
"He thought it was too good to be true, well it was, for he was seen leaving and his car registration number was noted," added Mr. Subbiani, who pointed out that his client, who had an "unenviable antecedent record," was "extremely remorseful about committing the offence."
Nicholas made full and frank admissions to the police and told officers where they could find the alcohol, although when it was recovered, it was found to be in an unsaleable condition.
Nicholas, of Cilshafe Uchaf, Garn Gelli Hill, near Fishguard, admitted theft, for which he was fined £120, ordered to pay compensation of £90 and costs of £55.