A YOUNG Llandrindod Wells man who stole alcohol from a renowned Radnorshire hotel has appeared in court, because he failed to pay for the items he stole.
Rhys James Vermiere, 22, was originally given a conditional caution by police after he burgled the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod in August last year. But the caution was conditional on the basis he paid the hotel the £71 worth of alcohol that he stole.
He failed to do so and now has a criminal record and must pay more than £300.
Vermiere, of Lon Cwm, Llandrindod, admitted burglary at the spa town’s magistrates’ court on Wednesday, October 25.
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Prosecutor Helen Sidhu said Vermiere stole whisky and bottled beer and cider from a bar in a function room that was not in use on August 29, 2022.
“It was 7pm when two males were seen entering the Metropole through the rear entrance on CCTV,” said Ms Sidhu.
“They were identified and both were seen in the David Spencer function room which was closed on that date. The defendant and the other male removed alcohol from behind the bar.
“This included 13 Budweiser or Corona bottles worth £12.50; 16 Kopparberg bottles worth £22.50 and one bottle of whisky worth £36. The room was closed and unused.”
Ms Sidhu said Vermiere was arrested in January of this year.
“He provided a full admission, saying he had gone there with the intent to steal alcohol,” she said.
“He said he acted alone and did not know the other male. He could not remember what he took.
“He was originally given a conditional caution, on the grounds he would pay the money back, but he hasn’t complied.”
Andrew Isaacs, representing Vermiere, said: “The reason he is here is due to not paying the money back.
“He was eligible for a caution, so this represents how serious the police take it, they had made a common sense decision.
“He was struggling with homelessness and extreme personal difficulties at the time. He is now more stable and hopefully will be going forward.”
Lorna Jones, chair of the bench, warned Vermiere: “You can carry on the road you are on or change your life.”
He was fined £80 and told to pay £85 costs and a £32 surcharge. He must also pay the hotel £71 in compensation.
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