A Romanian man who went on a stealing spree, taking hundreds of pounds from a number of businesses across Pembrokeshire has been given a custodial sentence.

Thirty-one-year-old Baron Rostas, pleaded guilty to charges of stealing from Ultracomida in Narberth; The Spar and Post Office in Monkton; and The Best-One in Milford Haven, when he appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday.

Prosecutor Abdul Hussain told magistrates that the defendant had taken sums of £200 from the businesses on Thursday, November 17, with one of the offences caught on CCTV.

Magistrates heard that Mr. Rostas purchased small items from the businesses before asking cashiers to change notes into different denominations.

Mr. Hussain explained that the defendant made numerous requests to the cashiers to confuse and distract them, before they realise at the end of the day when cashing up that he had taken money from them.

The defendant had also attempted three further thefts that same day the court heard.

Defence solicitor Mark Layton told magistrates that his client had made full and frank admissions when interviewed by police and also offered to pay back the full amount of compensation.

When sentencing, magistrates explained to the defendant that the offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified.

Mr. Rostas was given a 40 week prison sentence and ordered to pay compensation of £600.