AN opportunistic burglar captured on CCTV raiding a Garnant newsagents received a conditional discharge at Llanelli Magistrates Court.
Unemployed Lee Jason Roberts, of 23 John Street in Port Talbot, admitted burgling Raven Food Store with another male and stealing bread and newspapers worth an undisclosed amount.
Prosecuting solicitor Ellie Morgan told magistrates how, at 7am on February 23, police spotted the 20-year-old and another youth running from the store on Cwmaman Road.
“They were spotted throwing newspapers and bread in the street,” said Ms Morgan.
“Police caught up with them and questioned them about their behaviour.
"They were arrested and identified as the burglars of the newspaper shop from CCTV footage taken from the store.”
Defence solicitor Mathew Murphy told the court that Roberts had been to a party that evening and had been waiting for his dad to collect him to take him back to Port Talbot.
“The party had finished early and Roberts had a lot of time to kill while he was waiting for his dad,” said Mr Murphy.
“During this time Roberts and another male had been passing the shop and noticed its door was open. They entered the building and stole quantity bread and newspapers.
“He is very sorry and he does realise his actions were foolish.”
Magistrates told Roberts: “This is the first time you have appeared in court so we have decided to sentence you to a conditional discharge which will last for 24 months.”
Roberts was also ordered to pay £15 victim surcharge and court costs of £85.
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