A PRISONER has been told his behaviour has to change after he was caught with class A drugs during a cell search.

Joshua McIntyre, an inmate at HMP Berwyn, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Monday morning via video link.

The 22-year-old admitted that on August 15 this year, he had in his possession at the prison a quantity of cocaine.

Justin Espie, prosecuting, told the court that on the day of the offence, officers conducted a search of his cell, and as he was being checked an item fell from his shorts.

It contained cocaine.

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Mr Espie said given the quantity and the prison value of drugs, it was estimated to be worth anywhere between £260 and £1,300.

Euros Jones, defending, said his client is serving a five year sentence at the establishment and isn't expected to be released until mid-2024 at the earliest.

He explained: "He'd been in custody for some time and had no contact with his family.

"He'd just had his birthday and things were getting on top of him.

"As we know, drugs are rife in Berwyn - that's how he was going to cope."

Mr Jones said McIntyre paid £250 for the drug, and had no idea it could be worth up to £1,300.

He argues such a figure was "just not credible," adding: "He has since started a drug course and is doing well.

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"He's not taking drugs and is building back up for his release in 2024."

Deborah McKinnel, chair of the magistrates, said being caught with class A drugs while "doing quite a long stretch" was not the defendant's "finest hour."

However the bench took on board the progress he'd been making, she added, handing down a four month sentence to run concurrent to his ongoing one.

He must pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

"This behaviour has to stop," she warned him.