A burglar on ‘self-destruct’ escaped through a window when caught taking food from a kitchen during a spate of offences.

Jake Lloyd, of Barn Street, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to four charges of burglary when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday, August 7.

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, prosecuting, told the court that Lloyd, 22, walked into a property in Poyston Close, Haverfordwest, at around 3pm on May 3, without forcing entry.

The resident knew someone had been in their home when they returned half an hour later to find candles had been knocked over and their Playstation was missing.

The following day Lloyd entered the staff canteen at Poundstretcher Store, Haverfordwest, as a trespasser to stole tobacco and aftershave.

Lloyd went on to burgle two houses one after the other in Mary Church Court, Haverfordwest, on July 14, stealing food and a camera.

Mr Pritchard-Jones said: “The victim was present in one. She heard a noise in the kitchen and when she went to investigate she saw the defendant taking food from her cupboards.

“When she challenged him he climbed out of the window and ran away.”

He added: “This young man must have planned this, because you do not commit two burglaries on impulse.”

The bench heard that Lloyd had previous convictions for similar offences.

Jonathan Webb, defending, told the court that Lloyd had suffered from ADHD throughout his life, and was experiencing issues as a result of a relationship breakdown and lack of contact with his children when he committed the offences.

“It appears he was on some path of self-destruction at the time.”

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and Lloyd will next appear at Swansea crown court on August 24.

He was released on unconditional bail until that date.