A DRUG-addled Penparcau man burgled an Aberystwyth shop and later broke both his legs after being pushed out of a third floor flat window, a court heard.

Christopher David Jones, of 17 First Avenue, admitted burglary of Tesco Express on 10 November after he was caught on CCTV camera entering a staff-only area and taking a tobacco pouch and £5 note.

His solicitor, Alison Mathias, said Jones was under the influence of drugs when he committed the burglary, although he could only remember trying to find a toilet.

She said he suffered serious injuries to his legs after being thrown out of the flat window in Northgate Street later that day.

Prosecutor Steve Davies said a Tesco staff member who entered the staff-only storeroom found Jones there at around 7.45pm and spoke to him.

Jones, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, left the area when he was asked to, but security staff recognised him and alerted the police after he left the store.

CCTV footage showed Jones entering the manager’s office and taking the tobacco and going through several items. As well as the tobacco pouch, a £5 note was taken.

However, when police attended at his address, they discovered that Jones had been seriously injured after he fell out of the window.

Fearing for his safety, officers searched his flat and found the tobacco and Jones was found to have the £5 note on him.

Ms Mathias said Jones accepted the prosecution evidence, but said he couldn’t remember what had happened.

She said he had turned to drugs after his mother suffered ill-health and he admitted using drugs when going through stressful situations which led to him offending.

Ms Mathias said Jones had been pushed out of the flat window and had to have a metal plate inserted into his leg.

She said: “It clearly shows how stupidity takes over when under the influence of drugs.”

While Jones accepted the burglary charge, Ms Mathias said it was “opportunistic” and had not been sophisticated.

Magistrates heard that Jones had told a probation officer that he was “very disappointed” to be back in court after a period where he had stayed out of trouble by avoiding drugs.

He admitted he had taken drugs again because of the stress of his mother’s illness, but since the burglary had stopped using drugs.

Jones was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 35 rehabilitation activity days.

The defendant will also have to pay a fine of £20, costs totalling £145 and a restitution order of £21.