A WREXHAM man has been returned to jail for stealing in order to pay for his drug use.

Paul Loose, of Russell Grove, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Monday.

The 32-year-old admitted that he stole coffee and toothbrushes worth £35.30 from Sainsbury's in Wrexham over the weekend.

Molly Rumsey, prosecuting, told the court that Loose was seen putting the items in a plastic bag and leaving the store without paying on Sunday (February 26).

He was detained and admitted the theft - with all items being recovered.

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The Leader:

Melissa Griffiths, defending, told the court that Loose had been a serving prisoner until November, at which point he secured his own accommodation.

She said it was a "great shame" he had come before the court again, as he'd been doing "fairly well" since, adding: "He is still on licence until the end of January 2024.

"Unfortunately over the last few months, Mr Loose has succumbed to temptation and has been using drugs again.

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"He was frank, and indicated he had stolen the items to sell and use the money to buy drugs."

Magistrates told the defendant their hands were "tied" in terms of options to deal with him, having no choice but to enact the terms of the sentence he was on licence for and returning him to custody to serve the remainder.

The bench imposed a short seven-day custodial sentence to run concurrent to his ongoing jail term.