A “VULNERABLE” shoplifter who stole a range of items from Lampeter’s Co-op store was found to have two TVs stolen from the store in his house when he was arrested, magistrates have heard.

Richard David Owen, of 23 Kingsmead, was seen by staff at the store putting a range of items including portable speakers, radios, hair clippers and a food blender into a bag before leaving the store and driving off.

But magistrates heard that Owen, who pleaded guilty to theft and to receiving stolen goods, had a problem with drugs and had been going through a difficult period when he was subjected to threats after he had found a friend who had died following a drug overdose in November 2015.

Defence solicitor Janem Jones said Owen was a “vulnerable” man who had problems with drugs, but had stayed drug free recently.

She said Owen,47, had been bullied at school.

He had also suffered problems when he was threatened after he found a friend who had died following a heroin overdose in his home in November 2015.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Owen was also made subject to a nine-month drug rehabilitation requirement which will see him tested and his progress reviewed regularly.

Owen, who was also banned from the Co-op store for the length of the order, will pay costs of £145.

Presiding magistrate Prof Ian Rofe said: “You’ve been in a steady state of decline in recent years. Now is the time to make some correction in your lifestyle.”