A BRIDEGROOM will make it to the church on time today after being released from jail just days before his wedding.

Steven John Owen, 34, of Danefield Road, Northwich, appeared at Vale Royal Magistrates Court last week on charges of theft.

Owen pleaded guilty to stealing two bottles of Bushmills whiskey from Morrisons supermarket at Winsford valued at £35.98 on Monday, March 15.

He was caught by in-store security guards. They saw him take the whiskey and cover it with clothing before leaving the store without paying.

Talking through his solicitor, Henry Hills, Owen explained that he had not intended to steal when he entered the store but acted after he realised members of the security staff were watching him.

Despite Owen fully admitting his theft to police at the time of his arrest he subsequently pleaded not guilty on two previous court appearances.

After his initial court appearance Owen had been bailed but was remanded in custody after breaching the bail conditions.

Owen appeared in court last week after waiting seven days in custody.

Mr Hills suggested putting Owen forward for a drug rehabilitation and prevention order, explaining that Owen had made significant changes in his life.

Mr Hills said: 'His personal circumstances seem to be on the up. He's living with his fiancée and they are due to get married on April 6 at a church wedding at Wharton.'

After a brief retirement the magistrates decided that a custodial sentence was necessary in the order of 14 days.

No grace was given for the guilty plea as it came late in the court proceedings. But the 14-day sentence meant that Owen would be in jail on his wedding day.

However, the court followed the normal practice that a seven-day custody wait equated to the sentence given, effectively releasing him on the day he was in court.