A man who walked out of a store in Pembroke Dock with a large fireplace without paying for it, has been fined in court after admitting a charge of theft.
Thirty-nine-year-old Michael Paul Davies, of Monkton, pleaded guilty to stealing a wall mounted fireplace valued at £75, from the Poundstretcher store, when he appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Mr. Davies also pleaded guilty to a separate charge of possessing 1.6 grams of amphetamine.
Prosecutor David Folland told the court that around 12.15 pm, on February 13, Mr. Davies was observed by a store assistant taking the item directly out of the premises without paying for it.
“It was quite a large box, 3ft wide and 2 ft in height, so a rather conspicuous object!” he said.
Mr. Davies was challenged in the car park of the Pembroke Dock store for a proof of purchase by a staff member, before he handed the fireplace back and walked off.
Police officers tracked him down shortly after at the Tesco store nearby.
He was searched and discovered to be in possession of three foil wraps containing the drug amphetamine, but initially told officers that it was chewing gum.
Defence solicitor Jonathan Webb told the court that his client had battled alcoholism for a long time, but had made great strides recently, being ‘dry’ 99 per cent of the time.
“He had consumed one can of cider and taken the amphetamine, which in his own words ‘blew his head off’, but he is thoroughly ashamed and remorseful for the way he acted,” explained Mr. Webb, who said that this latest incident was a “blip”.
“Mr. Davies is no longer seen as a prolific persistent offender, but does have previous convictions for similar matters,” he added.
Chief magistrate David Ellis told the defendant that looking at his history of offending, he did not have an impressive record, before fining Mr. Davies £80 for the theft and £80 for the drugs charge.
He was also ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £20 victim surcharge.
A destruction order for the drugs was passed by magistrates.