A man charged with stealing a vast amount of alcohol from a store in Narberth is in the throes of tackling a longstanding heroin addiction a court heard this week.
Thirty-five-year-old John James William Bell, of Ferwig, Cardigan, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday, to plead guilty to three offences of theft from a shop, and one attempted theft.
Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court that the first incident occurred on May 18 at the Spar store on Narberth’s High Street, when the defendant stole alcohol to the value of £74.44.
He returned to the same store the following day and stole again, taking £60.96 worth on the first occasion, and £61.94 worth later on.
On May 20 Mr. Bell returned to the same premises and attempted to steal alcohol to the value of £19.98, but was detained in the store on this occasion.
“He became aggressive and attempted to run away from the scene,” said Ms Vaughan, who explained that the defendant had a history of persistent offending on record, and had already served spells in prison this year for theft, battery and shoplifting.
Defence solicitor Katy Hanson told the court that Mr. Bell admitted the offences at the police station.
“He knows he’s in a serious position today and that magistrates will be considering custody.
“He has a long standing heroin addiction which has had an impact in his offending history. Mr Bell has been in touch with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service and has indicated that he would like to go into rehab.
“he suffers with anxiety and depression, and it is clear that drugs and alcohol play a part in the offending, but he has made good progress with probation,” she added.
Magistrates handed Mr. Bell an 18 week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement for 30 days.
“We appreciate that you have problems, but basically we are giving you a chance,” the chief magistrate told the defendant.
Mr. Bell was ordered to pay £197.34 in compensation to the Spar Store in Narberth, prosecution costs of £85 and a £115 victim surcharge.