A SHOPLIFTER who "learned nothing" from the chances given to him by a court has been put behind bars.

Kevin Arron Crocombe, of Llys Penuel in Rhos, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The 40-year-old admitted that on three separate occasions earlier this year, he stole items from Ruabon Park Service Station in James Park Way.

On May 7 he took £20 worth of baby milk, followed by 71 energy bars valued at £228 on June 21 and then £120 worth of toiletries on July 5.

The thefts also placed him - for the second time - in breach of a suspended sentence imposed just weeks before the May offence for several other thefts.

When he breached it for the first time, he was given a "chance" and handed a community order.

Rhian Jackson, prosecuting, said Crocombe had 30 convictions for 69 offences - 49 of which were specifically for theft and kindred matters.

None of the goods taken in the latest three offences had been recovered, she added.

Wendy Shurrock, defending, told the court: "This defendant does apologise. "For many years he has struggled with heroin, which has resulted in many offences.

"The reason why the suspended sentence was not activated previously is that probation felt he was doing well. "Largely as I understand it, probation would say he is still doing well in relation to his appointments and not taking heroin.

"On one hand this is a defendant trying hard to take advantage of what is being offered to him.

"Unfortunately having stopped heroin, he's struggling with cocaine and these offences relate to cocaine."

Andrew Stubbs, chair of the magistrates, told Crocombe: "This court gave you an opportunity and gave you a community order.

"Clearly you've learned nothing from the chances you have been given."

Crocombe's community order was revoked and his suspended sentence of 20 weeks was activated with immediate effect.

He was also handed six week custodial sentences on each of the new thefts to run concurrent to each other, but consecutive to the 20 weeks, making a total custodial term of 26 weeks.

He was ordered to pay £128 as a contribution to compensation.

No costs were awarded or surcharge imposed.