A MAN stole a bottle of aftershave in a “moment of madness” soon after being released from prison, a court heard.

Lewis Roy Clifford Thomasson, 25, swiped the fragrance worth £54 from Boots in Chester on February 7 this year.

Unfortunately for the defendant a security guard spotted him pocket the item and called the police.

He apologised during his interview, describing the theft as a “moment of madness and a stupid mistake” at a time when he was visiting his girlfriend in the city.

Thomasson, of Marl Drive, Llandudno Junction, was handed a community order and must carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.

Chester Magistrates Court heard today (February 22) that he has 14 previous convictions for 27 offences.

He was jailed in September last year for drink-driving while disqualified and having no insurance.

Steve Coupe, defending, said Thomasson lived with his parents and was hoping to secure a job with his dad in the construction industry.

The latest offence put him in breach of post sentence supervision, for which he was fined £50. He must also pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of the same amount.