A 'desperate' thief who took goods worth hundreds of pounds from a city centre store in order to cover his food and bills has avoided jail.

The Leader reported in May how Paul Roberts, of Crossway in Ewloe, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court and admitted that on three dates in November, he stole fragrance gift sets from Boots at Eagles Meadow.

The total value of the stolen items came to more than £700.

Prosecutor Rhian Jackson told the hearing that Roberts 'de-tagged' the products before putting them into a carrier bag.

READ MORE: Ewloe man admits shoplifting at Wrexham Boots store

When he was interviewed by police, Roberts claimed he was not able to get a job - which caused "huge struggles" for his home life.

When he returned to the court to be sentenced yesterday (Tuesday), he was handed a 14 week term of imprisonment, suspended for 12 months and was ordered to pay back £376.50 in compensation, as well as £85 costs. 

No victim surcharge was imposed due to compensation taking priority.

Following his guilty pleas, his defending solicitor Emma Simoes set out the background to the offending.

She explained: "At that time, his benefits were not paid correctly.

The Leader:

"There had been an admin error and he and his partner were living on extremely limited means.

"They'd used up all of their foodbank vouchers and were really struggling so, regrettably, while trying to survive he accepts he committed these offences.

"He had struggled in the past with drug use but he's been clean for 18 months.

"Things are now going in the right direction and at this time in November, it was financial gain for bills and food - not drugs.

"He was desperate."