A donut thief alerted pub staff he was carrying an offensive weapon, a court has heard.

Damien Connor James, 19, formerly of Pembroke, now of Llandelio, pleaded guilty to burglary, theft, possession of an offensive weapon and a knife in a public place when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday, October 30.

Sian Vaughan, prosecuting, told the court that staff at McDonalds, Pembroke Dock, were cleaning after locking up on October 11, when James entered, walked around, went to the till area and took a donut and muffin.

He then took a bicycle which had been unlocked and left for a few moments while a staff member prepared to leave after his shift.

Miss Vaughan added that James later made a comment “Whoops, my hammer,” as he sat down in a Pembroke pub, and a knife handle was spotted as he opened his coat.

She said: “In interview he said he had them on him for his own protection.

“It’s bizarre behaviour for a man of clean character.”

Mark Layton, defending, said James could see people inside McDonalds before entering, and no real force was used to open the door.

“He took the items, went behind the till and was going to pay if he could. The manager came out and escorted him to the door. He had no intention of doing anything wrong.”

Mr Layton added that James was carrying the hammer and knife because threats had been made against him.

“There was no suggestion that he brandished the items.”

The court heard that the teenager had been living a chaotic lifestyle after becoming homeless, but had now secured accommodation and support, and hoped to return to college.

Magistrates sentenced James to a total of 20 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and a 150 hour community order with a 20 day rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £115 surcharge.