Temptation got the better of a Cardigan man with a history of alcohol problems during a ‘glitch’ in his recovery, a court has heard.

Paul Deary, aged 34, who stated he is currently of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop, when he appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates on Wednesday.

The court heard that staff at the Cooperative store, Cardigan, noticed Deary entering the shop at 9.45pm on November 20.

CCTV showed him fiddling with his jumper while in the health and beauty section, before paying for goods at the checkout, and a Bells Whiskey was later discovered missing.

Police went to Deary’s address and found the bottle, which he admitted taking.

Alan Lewis, defending, said his client had made a full and frank admission during a police interview.

He added that when apprehended Deary told officers “I nicked the bottle”, adding that the friend who was with him had nothing to with the theft.

Mr Lewis said: “He has a long history of alcohol dependency, but is engaging with local services and has a detox programme lined up.

“He went to the Coop to buy groceries, temptation got the better of him and he stole a bottle of whiskey.

“He has tried to address his issues, and has not drunk much since this glitch.”

Magistrates imposed a six month conditional discharge, and ordered Deary to pay £85 costs, £13 compensation to the store and a £15 victim surcharge.