A “VULNERABLE” man with over 50 offences on his record stole alcohol from Co-op in Llanidloes on behalf of his partner who was “using him”, a court heard on Tuesday.

Robert Roberts, 35, from Valentine Court, Llanidloes, stole spirits on three consecutive. His solicitor criticised the police for not arresting him sooner, including when he arrived for a police interview drunk.

Helen Tench, prosecuting at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court, said that on July 20, the Co-op store in Llanidloes phoned the police to report that a man had stolen a bottle of alcohol, and a description was given.

Police located the defendant, Roberts, a short distance from the store, Ms Tench told the court.

When he arrived for an interview at the police station, he was intoxicated, magistrates heard.

There were then two further reports of him stealing from the Co-op.

Michael Davies, defending, told the court that his record was “quite substantial”: that he had been convicted of over 50 offences and had over 30 convictions.

Mr Davies said that before he spoke to Roberts he thought “the problem was drink”. However, he said he was “stealing for his girlfriend who he has now separated from”.

The court heard that Mr Davies had a “slight criticism” of the police.

“He wasn’t arrested when he was found with the bottle. He went away to steal further items.”

Mr Davies said: “The problem police have is that they have no facility to interview in Llanidloes”.

A probation report heard that Roberts had been living in a hostel, where he fell “head over heels” for a girl. However, the court heard that she was “using him to steal alcohol for her”.

Roberts is “aware that he is vulnerable”, probation said, and that he doesn’t want to go back to prison.

Magistrates also heard that he suffers from anxiety, ADHD and lung disease.

Magistrates gave Roberts a 12 month community order, with 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days for emotional wellbeing and alcohol issues. He has also been given a curfew between 7pm to 7am and told to pay costs of £251.80.