A THIEF who was caught "grafting" for expensive sportswear in a Wrexham store has been spared jail.

Peter Williams, of Fairy Road in Wrexham, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 48-year-old admitted that on two occasions in the last month, he stole Nike sportswear from JD Sports at Eagles Meadow in Wrexham.

The first offence, on May 29, saw him take £300 worth of clothing - which was never recovered, Prosecutor Rhian Jackson told the court.

Ms Jackson said he was caught on the second occasion when he took £170 worth of clothes.

When interviewed by police he admitted he's been caught "grafting" for tracksuits in the shop, and accepted responsibility for the offences.

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Ceri Lewis, defending, told the court that at the time, her client wasn't on a prescription for methadone but he had since "got his life back on track" and had been working with drug and alcohol treatment centre the Elms.

District Judge Gwyn Jones told Williams: "You went to JD Sports looking for tracksuits and Nike clothing, knowing they are they type of clothes that can be sold on the alternative market.

"In the past you were a regular attender at these courts, but you've avoided trouble since 2017.

"I'm pleased that now you're back working with the Elms to ensure your issues regarding substance abuse are being dealt with."

The District Judge handed Williams a custodial term of five weeks on each of the thefts to run consecutive - but suspended them for 12 months with no requirements.

Williams was ordered to pay compensation of £300 and costs of £85.

The District Judge warned him: "Don't allow temptation to get the better of you."

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