Attempted theft was ‘out of character’

Attempting to steal a bottle of Martini from the Co-op store in Kilgetty landed a local man in court this week.

Twenty-eight-year-old Christian John Morris was seen by a supervisor at the store putting the £4.89 bottle down his trousers on the morning of May 24, magistrates sitting in Tenby heard on Tuesday.

Morris, of Rose Cottage, The Ridgeway, Saundersfoot, admitted the offence, which his solicitor, Mr. Jonathan Webb, said was an "unfortunate slip brought on by a drinking binge following his split from his long term girlfriend."

Morris claimed he had intended to pay for the bottle, but when he was arrested he was found to only have 55p on him; the rest of the money he said he had lost during a 'struggle'.

"It was out of character," commented Mr. Webb, who added that Morris was "extremely remorseful."

Morris was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £50 prosecution costs. A restitution order was also made for the bottle of Martini.