THREE ram raiders who smashed through the front doors of a supermarket in Llandysul have been jailed today.

Mark Ion, Steven McHugh and Daniel Rogers got away with only £200 worth of spirits but caused more than £10,000 worth of damage to the CK's store on Pencader Road, Pontwelli.

Swansea crown court heard that between them they already had 495 previous convictions.

Ion, aged 47, of Scotchwell View, Haverfordwest, McHugh, 42, of Larch Road, Milford Haven, and Rogers, 32, of Maescader, Pencader, admitted burglary.

Paul Hobson, prosecuting, said at 6am on Boxing Day the trio used a stolen 4x4 to smash through the doors of the store and grab whatever they could.

The vehicle was later found burned out.

Mr Hobson said police inquiries were continuing because it was believed the car had been stolen during a house burglary.

He said CCTV cameras filmed the raid and descriptions of the men were circulated.

By chance, said Mr Hobson, a police officer went to Rogers' home for an unrelated reason at 10am that day and saw the other two men were there and matched them to the descriptions of the suspects.

Police were also able to recover some of the stolen goods.

Mr Hobson said Ion had 174 previous convictions, McHugh 170 and Rogers 151.

Judge Keith Thomas jailed each defendant for 27 months.

He said that if the ongoing police inquiries resulted in further charges they would be dealt with later.

"You clearly all agreed to commit this offence by driving a car and demolishing the front doors.

"You all have substantial and lengthy records for dishonesty of all sorts," he added.