Stealing Britney Spears scent led to a suspended prison sentence for a Monkton man.

Adam Vivian Barlow, of Colley Court, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop when he appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, April 9.

Prosecutor Dennis Davies said Barlow, 27, went into Boots the Chemist, Pembroke Dock, on March 9 and stole a £30 bottle of Britney Spears Intimate Fantasy perfume.

“He said he did not have any electricity in the house and wanted to make a quick tenner.”

Barlow stated he picked up the 50ml bottle, put it up his jumper and walked out of the store.

Jonathan Webb, defending, said: “His record is frankly appalling and he accepts that, but there have been periods of time where he has been able to stay out of trouble.”

Mr Webb added that the offence was a ‘one-off’ following Barlow’s release from prison.

“He has been trying to better himself and stay on the straight and narrow. But when he finds himself in the situation where his benefits have not restarted following release from prison he goes back to the habits of old.”

Magistrates imposed a four week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

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

The chairman of the bench said: “That’s £200 that could have gone on electric.”

He added: “You have to realise you can’t go out to steal to pay for bills, you have to go out and get a job like everybody else has to.”

“Your solicitor has done a very good job today, because normally you would be sent away.”