A man has been jailed after confusing cashiers and stealing from small Pembrokeshire businesses.

Romanian Baron Rostas, 31, pleaded guilty to stealing sums of £200 from The Best-One, Milford Haven, The Spar and Post Office, Monkton, and Ultracomida, Narberth, when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates yesterday (Tuesday).

The court heard that all the three thefts occurred on November 17, and there were three other attempted thefts on the same day.

Abul Hussain, prosecuting, told the court that Rostas purchased small items from the businesses before asking the cashier to change notes into different denominations.

He said: “Once he is handed the money, without being noticed, he put a certain amount in his pocket, then handed back the rest saying he did not want it to be exchanged any more.

“By making the numerous requests he has confused the cashier, so that they are distracted and do not realise he has taken some money.”

One of the offences was captured on CCTV, which was played to the court.

Mr Hussain added: “It was only when the money was counted at the end of the day that the cashier realised that the till was short of £200.”

Mark Layton, defending, said Rostas had offered to pay the full amount of compensation as a ‘token of his remorse’, and had made full and frank admissions at the police station.

He added that the offence was ‘thoroughly unpleasant’, but there was no threatening behaviour or intimidation involved.

Speaking via a Romanian interpreter, Rostas said: “I’m extremely sorry for what happened. I promise I will change my ways and this will never happen again.”

Magistrates told Rostas that the offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified, as they were planned , professional and sophisticated, and could have caused ‘significant harm’ to small businesses.

He was sentenced to a total of 40 weeks in prison and ordered to pay £600 compensation.

He will also pay £85 costs and a £140 surcharge.

Bobby Anghel, 18, denied involvement in the offences, and will stand trial on December 19.

He was released on conditional bail until his next court appearance.