A HAVERFORDWEST man stole a tiny bottle of wine after taking sleeping pills which “clouded his judgement”.

Unemployed Michael Carruthers, 22, of Goat Street, admitted taking the £1.99 bottle of Blossom Hill wine from Londis Stores when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Ellie Morgan, prosecuting, told the court Carruthers – who has two cautions for shoplifting on his record - had entered the shop with a female friend and two children, one of whom was in a pushchair guided by the defendant.

A member of staff saw Carruthers select the bottle of wine from a shelf and hold it in his hand. He then attempted to leave the store, and was stopped by the employee. Carruthers claimed he had returned the bottle and was allowed to leave, but a later check of CCTV footage showed him sliding the wine in to his coat pocket.

Police were called and Carruthers was arrested. In interview, he said he had trouble sleeping the night before he committed the offence and had taken ten over-the-counter sleeping tablets.

“He claimed taking the pills may have clouded his judgement,” said Ms Morgan.

Mark Layton, defending, said it was his client’s first conviction and he had “expressed remorse”.

“Clearly, the alcohol was taken for personal consumption,” said Mr Layton. “He had a historical drink problem but does not have a problem at the moment.”

Magistrates fined Carruthers £75 and ordered him to pay costs and surcharges totalling £105. He was also told to pay compensation of £1.99 to Londis Stores, as the wine he stole was not recovered.