A pre-Christmas thieving binge from Marks and Spencer’s food hall in Haverfordwest resulted in a court appearance this week, when Gary Davies was sentenced for stealing almost £1,000 worth of alcohol and meat.
Davies, 43, was stopped by police officers at around 4.30pm on December 21 as he drove his vehicle out of Haverfordwest town centre.
“He was linked to a number of suspected thefts,” Crown Prosecutor Kelly Rivers told Haverfordwest magistrates.
A search of Davies’ vehicle revealed a large quantity of meat, comprising fresh turkey and beef products, and a separate bag containing alcohol. The stolen items were valued at a total of £949.99.
Ms Rivers informed magistrates that the alcohol was returned to the store, however the fresh meat had to be discarded.
“It wasn’t possible to return the meats to the store refrigerators,” she said.
A victim impact statement from Marks and Spencer’s store manager was read out to the magistrates.
“It hurts me that people feel the need to steal,” commented the manager.
“This was a high value theft and not only has it grieved the individuals who may have really wanted to have the goods, but it has also grieved the store.”
Davies, of St Teilo Street, Pontardulais, appeared before magistrates via a video link from Swansea prison where he is currently serving a 32-week custodial sentence imposed on March 10 for numerous theft offences, including a motor vehicle.
He was sentenced to six weeks in custody which will run concurrently with his existing sentence.
He was ordered to pay a £154 court surcharge and £474.99 compensation to Marks and Spencer for the fresh meat.
