A builder drove away from a petrol station forecourt without paying for fuel and a pack of lager after his bank card didn't work, a court has been told.

Antony Stephens, of Fronhir Estate, Knighton, was handed a 24-month conditional discharge by Welshpool Magistrates' Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to "dishonestly" making off without payment at the Co-op store in Knighton on April 16 and 18.

The 53-year-old was also ordered to pay £107 in court costs and fines.

Helen Tench, prosecuting, told the court that Stephens filled his van with £16.57 worth of fuel at the petrol station in Bridge Street on April 16.

"The defendant reattended the store two days later for one four pack of lager valued at £4.40 and left the store without paying. Police were contacted on the 18th and officers located the defendant in Victoria Road in Knighton. A search was conducted in the back of the vehicle where officers found a half empty can in right pocket and a full can in the left pocket."

Paul Inns, representing Stephens, said the 53-year-old had no previous convictions and was previously of good character.

"There was issue with his bank card," Mr Inns said. "When he attended the petrol station, he was intending to pay for fuel for the van but then he found there was an issue with his bank card and wasn’t able to make payment.

"Unfortunately, he decided to leave the petrol station forecourt without payment.

"Subsequently, he received a letter from the Co-op for £46 which includes the petrol and £30 penalty which he did pay."

Speaking about the April 18 incident, Mr Inns added that Stephens took the four cans and "realised his card wasn’t working" and left the store without paying.

"Mr Stephens runs his own building firm but hasn’t worked for the past 12 months due to injury. He's not on benefits and lives with his father who provides a roof over his head."

Magistrates ordered Stephens to pay a £22 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs. Co-op will not be awarded compensation because the magistrates believed Stephens had paid the £30 fine and the cost of the fuel.

Timothy Brown, chair, told Stephens: "For these two offences and the very fact you have a clean record to date and we have taken on board your early guilty plea you will receive a conditional discharge which means that over the next 24 months if you keep you nose clean this will go away. It’s a bit like being on bail."