A “PROFESSIONAL criminal” who stole from an Aberystwyth shop and used threatening behaviour has been sent to prison by magistrates.

Danny Smith, of 9 Corporation Street, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 7 October.

The 31-year-old pleaded guilty to stealing vodka and food worth £33 from Tesco in Aberystwyth on 5 October. He also admitted using threatening or abusive behaviour on the same day.

Jailing Smith for eight weeks, magistrates said “the offences are so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified”, because of “the number and nature of the offences shows the defendant is operating as a professional criminal.”

Smith was also ordered to pay full compensation to Tesco Aberystwyth of £33.