A NERVOUS man nibbled on a police blanket while locked in a cell and ended up facing a charge of criminal damage.

Benjamin Richards, 28, of Dew Street in Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates Court last week.

Peter Lloyd, prosecuting, told the court Richards was held in the Haverfordwest Police Station cell in connection with “another matter”.

“He was not charged with the other matter,” Mr Lloyd explained. “But while in the cell he was seen damaging the blanket, and he has been charged with that.”

Johnathan Webb, defending, said Richards admitted what he had done, and was “very contrite”.

“The blanket was already frayed, and my client was picking at it with his teeth. Being nervous, he just picked and picked and picked,” Mr Webb explained.

Magistrates labelled the incident “ a stupid offence” and sentenced Richards to a three month conditional discharge. They also ordered him to pay a £15 victim surcharge, to be consolidated with other outstanding fines he already owes the court.

Dyfed Powys Police had not entered a request to be compensated for the standard issue blanket, so Richards was not asked to pay for a new one.