AN ABERGAVENNY man was given a community order after admitting stealing meat and lager.

Jamie Smith, 24, of Regent Street, appeared in Caerphilly Magistrates' Court, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of shoplifting.

Prosecutor Ruth Hale said Smith was caught on CCTV going into D and M Food Market in Raglan and concealing ham and steak worth around £30 under his jacket. The second incident took place on August 4 when Smith was again caught on CCTV at the Esso Garage, Hereford Road, Abergavenny, stealing two bottles of lager worth £6.

Mrs Hale said Smith was identified by officers and arrested in Bailey Park, Abergavenny on August 4.

Representing Smith, Francesca Bettosi said Smith was released from a prison on August 2, after serving a 15-week sentence for another shoplifting offence, and had no money. She said the offences were relatively low level and Smith had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

Smith was given a 12-month community order and ordered to complete 100 hours unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £30 compensation to D and M Food Market and £6 to the Esso Garage.