'Drunk, hungry and penniless' man hid beef under jacket

12:30pm Saturday 4th October 2008

After drinking ‘vast amounts of vodka’, a ‘drunk, hungry and penniless’ Pembroke Dock man tried to steal a joint of beef from a supermarket by hiding it under his jacket.

Gordon Baines, of 20 Water Street, pleaded guilty to theft at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday.

Prosecutor Ellie Morgan said Baines stumbled into the town’s Asda store on September 5 after drinking ‘vast amounts of vodka’. He was then caught on CCTV leaving the store with a joint of beef hidden under his jacket.

He later admitted to police he had stolen the food because he was ‘drunk, hungry and penniless’.

Defending, Sharon Knox said Baines was an alcoholic and despite previous convictions, said a recent incident was responsible for his erratic behaviour.

“A short time ago he was attacked in his flat and had a number of items stolen from him” Ms Knox said.

“Since then he has suffered bouts of anxiety and depression and his drinking habits have worsened.”

Baines, aged 36, was fined £295, including costs.