A Haverfordwest shop-lifter hopes finding a job will keep him out of trouble.

Liam Matthews, of Hill Street, appeared from custody at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Monday, January 28.

Matthews, 33, pleaded guilty to four charges of theft from a shop and one charge of producing a Class B drug.

Sophie Hill, prosecuting, told the court Matthews stole an unknown amount of alcohol from Lidl, Haverfordwest on November 14, by concealing it under his jacket.

He took Jean Paul Gaultier aftershave from Debenhams on January 3, and speakers worth £120 from Currys/PC World the following day. He also stole a bottle of rum from Morrisons on January 26.

Police officers discovered a cannabis plant growing at Matthews’ home on January 14.

Jonathan Webb, defending, said Matthews had admitted all the offences at the first opportunity and was not a persistent offender.

“Mr Matthews stays out of trouble when he is in employment.

“He is hoping to get back into work. When he is back in work these problems abate, out of work he finds himself hanging around with the wrong type of company and committing offences.”

Mr Webb added: “You almost have two different people here, the employed Mr Matthews who stays out of trouble or the unemployed Liam Matthews who commits antisocial offences and comes before the court.”

Matthews was sentenced to ten weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, with 40 hours of unpaid work and a 15 day rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was ordered to pay £206.49 compensation, a £115 surcharge and £85 costs.

A destruction order was made for the cannabis plant.