A MOLD man has been spared jail after being found guilty of causing more than £1,000 worth of damage to a small business.

Richard Davies, of Bank Villas, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The-40-year-old had been convicted after trial of an offence of criminal damage, which took place at the Daniel Owen Precinct in Mold on December 11 last year.

Rhian Jackson, prosecuting, told the court that police were called to a burglary at the precinct's indoor market after alarms were triggered.

READ MORE: Flintshire Navy veteran drink-drove on Remembrance Sunday

A window leading into flower shop had been broken and someone had entered, making their way to a jewellery shop in the market.

Those responsible had fled the scene, dropping jewellery on the way out - as well as leaving behind a bag with a hammer and screwdriver in it.

A dropped sandwich bag containing jewellery was found, as well as a smear of blood near the point of entry which turned out to be the defendant's.

Ms Jackson said the cost of the damaged window was £1,332, and while other aspects of the incident had been investigated, the only charge pursued was that of criminal damage.

Gary Harvey, defending, said his client has mental health problems.
He disputed his involvement in the incident, he said, but the blood found at the scene had been "enough to persuade the magistrates" of his guilt at trial.

Make sure you don't miss the top court stories of the week by signing up to our free court newsletter

The Leader:

District Judge Gwyn Jones told the defendant: "This is criminal damage against a small business with damage of this nature having a significant impact on the viability of that business."

The District Judge said while the starting point had to be immediate custody, he took into account the defendant's mental wellbeing and the fact the offence was almost a year ago.

"There may be some slight hope of a degree of rehabilitation," he concluded, handing down a 10-week jail term but suspending it for a year.

Davies was ordered to pay compensation in the sum of £1,332 and costs of £250.