A "prolific" shoplifter has been banned from entering any Sainsbury's or Boots stores after he was caught on camera stealing razors worth hundreds of pounds. 

Robert Bailey, of no fixed abode, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning.

The 31-year-old admitted that on September 3, he took six packs of razor blades from Sainsbury's at Plas Coch Retail Park worth £151, and that in the following days he returned to the store to take more razors and toiletries worth £122.

He also admitted having taken razors worth £233 from Boots in Plas Coch Road on Monday this week.

Suzanne Cartwright, prosecuting, said in each case the defendant was seen by staff, or on CCTV after the offences took place.

She described him as a "prolific shoplifting offender" - given he has 36 convictions for 85 offences, 45 of which are for theft offences and the majority are shoplifting related.

Bethan Jones, defending, said her client had only been released from prison recently and his behaviour was characteristic of someone using substances on a regular basis.

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"He had the weekend without funds or a prescription and unfortunately he goes to type," she said.

"He's stealing to feed a habit and my fear is that in six weeks time - without support - he will be back before you and I will be standing here saying exactly the same thing to you.

"To say that things are not going well for him is an understatement."

Ms Jones said the court's choice was "stark" - either send him back to prison, or allow him to cooperate with the probation service and hopefully find himself somewhere to live.

Bailey was handed a four week term of imprisonment on each count to run consecutive - but the total 12 week sentence was suspended for a year.

He was ordered to pay £100 in compensation to Boots and Sainsbury's, and received an order not to enter any Boots or Sainsbury's for the next 12 months.

Presiding Justice Kristian Weaver told the defendant: "It may not seem like this, but we're trying to give you an opportunity to do the right thing.

"If you don't, and you continue the way you have been so far, you know what's going to happen - and where you're going to go."

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