A shoplifter's haul was found stashed in undergrowth, a court has heard.

Thomas John Picton, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop when he appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, March 5.

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, defending, told the court that Picton took £56 of items including coffee, grinders and a sander off the shelves of Lidl Stores, Milford Haven, on August 31.

“He simply walked into the Lidl store, picked up a number of boxed items and walked out.”

Police found Picton walking down a nearby street with a box and coffee under his coat.

The other items were located hidden in undergrowth following a tip-off from a member of the public.

When interviewed, Picton admitted he had paid for one small item at the store, but stole the others.

Jonathan Webb, defending, said Picton, 34, was going through a difficult time when the offence was committed last year.

“He had a fire at his address and he was moving around different addresses in the Mount Estate, as a result of that his benefits were all over the place.”

The court heard that Picton had mental health issues and suffered from anxiety.

“The offence was committed at a time when everything was getting on top of him. He is working hard to get back on track. He is trying his very best."

Magistrates fined Picton £80 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £30 surcharge.