AN Aberystwyth man who stole food was desperate because he had lost his bank card, magistrates have heard.

Joel Alexander Owens, of 32 Portland Street, pleaded guilty to two charges of theft from Spar.

Prosecutor Rhian Jones said Owens stole just under £5 of food on 31 December before stealing just over £6 of items on 12 January, with both incidents caught on CCTV.

When police attended at his home to arrest him, Owens was hiding behind a wardrobe before escaping through a window.

He was arrested shortly afterwards when police searched the nearby area.

Iestyn Davies, defending Owens, said Owens had been staying with friends and had lost his wallet, including his bank card.

While Owens, 22, had reported the loss of the card to his bank, a replacement had not come and he had been desperate so took the food despite “not wanting to do it”.

Owens was given a 12-month conditional discharge and will pay costs of £105.