An Irish teenager who fled to Bristol to avoid an arranged marriage has appeared in front of city magistrates.

Michael Connors, 18, fled Ireland just a few weeks ago after realising his family were ignoring his protests.

Yesterday he pleaded guilty to stealing goods worth £234.22 from Asda in Patchway.

Lesley Ness, prosecuting, said Connor was stopped as he loaded the goods into the back of a car.

"He told police that he had been in Henbury and a girl had offered him money if he went and pushed a trolley load of goods out of the store," Mrs Ness said.

Sally Helliwell, defending, said: "He is not saying that he was pushed into this but it was certainly not his idea – he was simply doing it because he needed the cash.

"Mr Connor is 18 and lives with his auntie.

"He came over from Ireland a few weeks ago because he was being forced into an arranged marriage which he was not prepared to go through with.

"He came over to England to other family members who were not going to force him into it. He had spoken to his family in Ireland and they were aware of how he felt but they would not listen.

"He does not have any income but he has had conversations about the marriage with his family and hopes to return to Ireland."

Magistrates gave Connor, of Walton Street, Easton, a six-month conditional discharge.