A Pembroke man who admitted stealing a bottle of mint chocolate chip vodka has been given a 12-month conditional discharge.

Twenty-one-year-old Benjamin James Phillips, of Laugharne Close, The Green, pleaded guilty to the charge at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court, after he had taken the bottle of vodka out of Townsend Stores in Pembroke on January 6, in his coat pocket.

District Judge Vivian Manning-Davies heard how the owner of the store detained Mr. Phillips after he had heard a rattling of glass when he exited the shop after trying to purchase a packet of chewing gum.

Mr. Phillips claimed that he had bought the bottle of vodka from Somerfield, but when the store owner said he was calling the police, the accused said that he would return the bottle if he was let go.

Police arrested Mr. Phillips, who later admitted the theft, but said he couldn't remember doing it as he had been drinking.

Representing Mr. Phillips, solicitor James Subbiani said that his client didn't have a great recollection of events. He had difficulties with mental health problems and had been engaging with the Community Mental Health Team.

Judge Manning-Davies gave Mr. Phillips a 12-month conditional discharge and he was ordered to pay costs of £85.