A LLANILAR man who stole alcohol from an Aberystwyth supermarket was “under pressure” to do it by someone to whom he owed money, magistrates have heard.

Anthony James Smith, of 4 Clos Henri, pleaded guilty to stealing two bottles of port and a bottle of Jagermeister from Budgens on 9 September.

Helen Tench, prosecuting, said police were initially called by a member of staff who said that a man had been seen to take bottles and leave the store without paying.

The staff member told officers a man had bought some items out of the store, but had left without paying for other items which he had concealed in a sling on his arm.

After leaving the store following the first theft, Smith, 33, returned to the store and asked a staff member about whether there were more bottles of port and was seen on CCTV picking up bottles and leaving the store.

Smith was arrested and initially told police that he had sold the bottles of alcohol, but later said that he had given them away to somebody.

Defence solicitor Alison Mathias said Smith owed money to another person and he had been pressured into stealing the alcohol.

She said the theft was not sophisticated and that Smith had admitted it straight away.

Smith had been suffering with a range of issues after leaving the army, but said he was now receiving help and was “more stable”.

Ms Mathias said Smith had not drunk any of the stolen alcohol himself.

Smith was given a conditional discharge for 12 months. He will pay compensation of £33.99 and costs of £105.