A Pembroke man who stole from a national charity could not resist spending the money, a court has heard.

Alfie Shelley, of Nicholas Crescent, pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday, April 23.

Stephen Mallison, prosecuting, told the court that Shelley, 20, stole £100.50 from Sport Relief by collecting sponsorship money in the charity’s name in Pembroke between January 1 and 31.

Concerns were raised when a Pembroke resident, who had given Shelley money after he knocked on her door, saw a local newspaper’s online report about his previous court appearance for a similar offence.

The woman told police she had asked several questions to check if the collection was genuine, and had been shown authentic looking sponsorship forms containing her neighbours’ names and sponsorship amounts.

Mr Mallison said: “She gave him £3 and contacted Sport Relief who confirmed that there was no trace of this defendant requesting fund-raising materials from them.”

Police discovered sponsorship forms in Shelley’s bedroom when they called at his address.

He admitted collecting the cash, adding that he intended to bank it for the charity, but had not been able to resist spending it.

Mike Kelleher, defending, said Shelley had been unable to pay the money to the charity, and fully accepted his actions.

“I appreciate that these are unpleasant offences.”

The court heard that Shelley had been struggling to manage his finances while living on his own.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work and a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Shelley was ordered to pay £85 costs, an £85 surcharge and £100.50 compensation to Sport Relief.