A burglary look-out turned himself in hours after taking flight from the scene of the crime, a court has heard.

Daniel Thomas Fairlie, formerly of Milford Haven, gave his address as Montgomery Close, Monkton, when he appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, May 1.

He pleaded guilty to entering Tenby Taxis as a trespasser with intent to steal on August 7.

A warrant has been issued for a second man, who is jointly charged with the same offence.

Abul Hussain, prosecuting, told the court that Fairlie, 22, stood outside and acted as look-out when the window and door panel of the taxi rank were smashed and entry was gained to the premises.

A member of staff arrived shortly after the alarm was activated and nothing was taken during the incident.

Fairlie was identified on CCTV, but refused to name the other person involved when interviewed by police.

In a victim impact statement, the owner of the taxi firm stated it would cost £375 to repair the damage caused during the 5am break-in, and the incident had impacted on his business.

Fairlie claimed he had not entered the building with his accomplice, and had high-tailed it when the alarm was activated, running all the way to Manorbier because he was scared.

Mike Kelleher, defending, said: “Mr Fairlie was an idiot to get involved in this venture.

“He was out with friends in Tenby and says he was obviously in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“He didn’t know what to do and ran away.”

Mr Kelleher said Fairlie had not expected to become involved in an incident of this type when he went to Tenby for a night out, and had surrendered himself to police voluntarily at 1pm that day.

He added: “He realised that what happened was out of order and he was in in big trouble.”

The court heard that chip-shop worker Fairlie was already subject to a community order.

Magistrates added 50 hours to his remaining 91 hours of unpaid work and sentenced him to a new 12 month order.

He was also ordered to pay £545 in compensation, costs and a surcharge.