A CARDIGAN man has been given a conditional discharge after being caught stealing a trolley full of groceries from the town’s Tesco store.

Stephen James Doyle, of 7 Erwlas, Parcllyn, pleaded guilty to the theft at Aberystwyth Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Rhian Jones, prosecuting, told the court that Doyle, 54, was seen walking out of the store with £54.31 worth of groceries.

When challenged by staff he pushed the trolley away, ran to his car and drove off.

He was identified by his Vauxhall car, and police were informed.

Doyle, who has a previous caution for shoplifting from October 2016, represented himself in court.

He told magistrates that he “apologised for my actions” and had written to Tesco to apologise as well.

He said he “couldn’t explain why he did it” but that he “had a problem” and was seeking help with the community mental health team.

Magistrates handed Doyle a conditional discharge for six months.

He was also ordered to pay costs of £85 and a court charge of £20.