A Cardigan man who stole a woman’s handbag in a ‘moment of weakness’ is due to be sentenced by the crown court this month.

Kenneth Mark Newell, aged 27, of 7 Maes yr Haf, pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared at Aberystwyth magistrates court on Wednesday.

The court heard that Rebecca Lewis left her handbag on a table in the Red Lion pub on September 20 while she went to the dance floor, and it had disappeared when she returned.

CCTV showed Newell draping his jacket over the bag, before scooping them both up and leaving the pub.

Following his arrest, police searched his house and recovered an Ipod and mobile phone which had been in the bag.

Newell told police he had discarded the bag after leaving the pub, but could not remember where because he was intoxicated.

He said: “I did do it, It was a moment of weakness.”

Nick Newton, prosecuting, said the bag had also contained various items of make-up, and £181.88 compensation had been requested.

He added that data had been deleted from the Ipod and mobile phone, which would cost £20 to be recovered.

The court heard that the offence put Newell in breach of a 12 month prison sentence imposed by Swansea Crown Court.

Magistrates committed the case to the crown court for sentencing, and the next hearing was listed for October 31.

Newell was released on unconditional bail until that date.