A Hakin man with a history of shoplifting has been given a suspended prison sentence after admitting a latest string of offences.

Forty-four-year-old David Jones, of Upper Hill Street, pleaded guilty to stealing two bottles of cider, and items of clothing, from two stores in Milford Haven when he appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The court heard how it was Mr. Jones’s fifth court appearance since January for shoplifting, and that he was already subject to an 18 month community order, but had failed to tend several appointments with the probation service, mainly due to a relapse from alcohol.

Defence solicitor Mark Layton told the court that his client had suffered a number of personal setbacks in recent times and that he had turned to drinking to cope with issues.

“He really has hit rock bottom, but is a person that is keen to do something about his situation and committed to changing,” he said.

Magistrates said that Mr. Jones’s list of theft offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence would be justified, before committing him to prison for a total of 32 weeks for the charges, suspended for 12 months.

He was also ordered to comply with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement for 25 days over 12 months.

Mr. Jones was told he would have ti pay costs of £85, an £80 victim surcharge and compensation of £9.58 to the Spar Store in Milford Haven.