A Cresselly man who outstayed his welcome at a Pembroke Dock hotel when he didn’t pay for his room for two nights in a row has been given a 12-month community order.

Thirty-six-year-old John Walter Boswell, of Lawrenny Road, pleaded guilty to a charge of obtaining services for himself by a dishonest act, namely staying at the hotel without funds, when he appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday.

Prosecutor Mr. Dennis Davies told the court that Mr. Boswell has been staying at the Travelodge in the town for two weeks, at £45 per night, paying cash daily. However, on the occasion of March 10, he failed to pay, and an employee at the hotel had to cover the cost themselves to balance the books.

Defence solicitor, Mr. Mike Kelleher told magistrates that his client, who was currently subject to a community order, had been working away, but lost his accommodation when he returned to the area, as he’d started drinking.

“Mr. Boswell had the money in his pocket to pay for the room, but unfortunately drink got the better of him,” he explained.

“He slept through the time he was required to pay by. It’s not a wonderful excuse, but he didn’t do it on purpose, he simply fell asleep as he was off the wagon. He is making every effort to get off the alcohol again,” added Mr. Kelleher.

Probation officer Julie Norman said that Mr. Boswell had only completed three hours of the required 25 hours of unpaid work as part of the community order he was subject to, and was considered ‘unfit’ to carry out this work.

Magistrates elected to revoke the current order and sentence Mr. Boswell to a new 12-month community order, with a 20 day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

He was also fined £120 for the offence, ordered to pay costs of £85, a £60 victim surcharge, and compensation of £90 to the hotel.