A MAN who snuck into a supermarket and hid from staff behind stock cages before stealing one of their mobile phones has narrowly avoided a prison sentence.

Jonathan Burchell crept into the Asda Express store in Llanelwedd, just outside Builth Wells, via a staff entrance on the evening of Wednesday, July 24 – during the busy period of Royal Welsh Show week.

Following his arrest, the 51-year-old was banned from every single Asda store in Wales and England. At Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, September 25, he was also jailed for four months – suspended for one year.

Prosecutor James Ashton said Burchell, of Tan y Castell, Builth, entered the store, which doubles as a petrol station, at around 8.50pm.

“He entered via a staff door, into the delivery area,” said Mr Ashton.

“He hid behind stock cages while staff were milling around. He then went into the staff room and took a mobile phone and a bag containing various items.

“He conceals them, then leaves via a side door. Police were later called and one of the complainants recognised the defendant as he had been in store previously collecting donations for the Helping Our Homeless charity, located nearby.”

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The mobile phone belonged to Kelley Powell and was valued at £280, while the handbag belonged to Sandra Jones-Morgan.

Mr Ashton added: “Ms Powell later spoke to the defendant and he said he did take her phone and gave it to someone else. He told police he’d got rid of it.”

In a victim impact statement, Ms Jones-Morgan said: “This was in the staff area which is used for us to relax, I now do not feel safe here.”

Mr Ashton said Burchell had 41 convictions for 94 previous offences – which include over 30 for theft and similar offences.

Gurleen Kaur, representing Burchell, said her client was intoxicated at the time of the incident and doesn’t recall it taking place.

“He’d drunk a lot of alcohol,” said Ms Kaur.

“He admits guilt but he does not recall it. He also denies that it was planned out. He knows the shop but didn’t plan to do it or plan to go in via the staff door. There was no sophistication.”

She added: “He struggles with significant childhood PTSD, as well as with depression and anxiety, which has led to drug and alcohol issues.”

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Probation officer Donna Davies said Burchell is attending Kaleidoscope (drug and alcohol charity) voluntarily, but is not suitable for alcohol treatment due to his current intake.

Lorna Jones, chair of the bench, told Burchell: “I don’t understand in what realm you feel you can go and take people’s personal things.

“I would suggest with it being show week there was some degree of planning.”

When Burchell interjected and reiterated that he did not plan the crime, Ms Jones told him: “I don’t want to hear from you again.”

Magistrates jailed him for 16 weeks, but this will be suspended for 12 months.

Burchell must undertake 20 rehabilitation activity days and be subject to a mental health treatment order.

He must pay a £154 surcharge and £85 costs, plus £280 compensation to Ms Powell and £20 to Ms Jones-Morgan.