A teenager accused of a dwelling theft in Hundleton has been handed a community order after being found guilty of the offence.

Nineteen-year-old Grzagorz Walczynski, of Port Tennant, Swansea, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday for sentencing, after he had been found guilty of theft the previous week at a trial.

Mr. Walczynski was charged with entering as a trespasser part of a dwelling belonging to Eric and Sue Scourfield, and stealing a quantity of money and a bottle of alcohol, between October 14, 2016 and January 31, 2017.

The court heard how the defendant was found guilty of taking the money at the trial, but there had been no evidence to support the charge of stealing the alcohol.

Prosecutor Abul Hussain told the court that Mr. Walczynski had been living with the Scourfields under a foster placement since 2016.

“Once he turned 18 he was no longer in their care, but the couple allowed him to stay at their home whilst he was studying in college.

“Mr. Walczynski was not allowed to enter the couple’s bedroom or office at the home,” he said.

The court heard how on the date in question, Mr. Scourfield went to take money out of three tubes he kept in the bedroom containing coins, but two of the tubes were missing and the third was discovered empty.

Mr. Hussain explained how one tube was found in the defendant’s bedroom.

“He denied the offence, but was convicted following the trial. No money was recovered,” he said.

Defence solicitor Mike Kelleher told the court that the trial had lasted three to four hours, and that there were ‘two sides to every story’.

“Mr. Walczynski now lives in Swansea and works for Pizza Express. He pleaded not guilty to the charge, but was found guilty,” he commented.

Probation officer Julie Norman told the court that the defendant continued to deny the offence, but said that he would abide by the court order.

Magistrates handed Mr. Walczynski a 12-month community order with the requirement to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay compensation of £400 towards the complainants, prosecution costs of £200 and an £85 victim surcharge.