A QUICK-thinking Cardigan shopkeeper helped police track down a thief and recover a stolen mobile phone, a court has heard.

The shopkeeper, who offers a phone-unlocking service, became suspicious when homeless Kieran Kimber came in to the store with an iPhone 5.

Kimber, aged 20 and currently of no fixed abode, admitted stealing the phone when he appeared before Ceredigion magistrates on Wednesday.

The court heard how a teenage girl had left her phone in her jacket pocket on a sofa while she danced at Gabs Nightclub in Cardigan on December 6, and noticed it was missing when she returned to her seat.

The teen and her mother gave details of the missing phone to the shopkeeper.

Kimber later visited the shop with a phone in need of unlocking.

When the shopkeeper entered a pass-code provided by the victim, the device unlocked and the shopkeeper called the police.

Kimber told officers he had found the phone and claimed he had attempted to unlock it in order to trace its owner.

Alan Lewis, defending, said Kimber had alcohol and mental health issues, and was in the process of being referred for counselling by his doctor.

He added that Kimber’s benefits had been stopped, and he had spiralled into depression after having no money for a couple of months and being forced to rely on friends and family.

Mr Lewis said: “He had been drinking on the night in question and sat on the phone which was on the settee.

“He says he is relieved that the phone went back to the owner.

"He was concerned that a young girl had lost her mobile.

“He now seems positive and motivated to move his life forward.”

Magistrates fined Kimber £40 and ordered him to pay £85 court costs and a £20 victim surcharge.