A TREGARON man stole a bottle of rum from an Aberystwyth shop and smashed it to defend himself, magistrates have heard.

Thorn Jaredh Robertson, 27, admitted theft and criminal damage to two signs outside Castle News in Great Darkgate Street in June last year.

His solicitor Kevin Williams said Robertson of Upper Flat, Llew Coch, Pontrhydfendigaid Road, intervened when two men, one of whom had a knife, were verbally abusing another man.

Robertson, who had been drinking, felt he needed the bottle, which he smashed outside, to defend himself, Aberystwyth magistrates were told. Robertson also kicked two signs outside the shop, damaging them, the court heard.

Robertson, a forestry worker who has been off work for health reasons, was also charged with breaching a community order.

Magistrates imposed a new 12-month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days as well as 20 thinking skills sessions and a curfew between 7pm and 8am for six weeks.

He will pay compensation for the bottle of rum and signs of £53.99 and costs of £230.