A repeat shoplifter has been given a final chance to turn his life around and stay out of prison.

Lee Blackwell, of City Road in Chester, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 43-year-old admitted six counts of theft from Wrexham shops, committed between December 2022 and May 2023, as well as one offence of possessing diamorphine.

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Prosecutor Grace Carson told the court that the offences largely spoke for themselves - in that Blackwell had stolen items from B&M on three occasions, Wilkos on one, Co-op on another and Spar in Gresford on another.

Altogether, the values of the thefts came to £340.

Ms Carson said Blackwell was stopped and searched on April 28 and was found to be in possession of heroin (diamorphine).

The court heard the thefts from Spar and Co-op, as well as the drugs offence, also put him in breach of a community order which was imposed in March this year - also for thefts.

Stephen Edwards, defending, told the court his client has been "taken out of Wrexham" as he was living with "drug related associates."

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He continued: "He's been put in supported accommodation in Chester and the last three to four weeks have been picking up in terms of his engagement.

"Clearly he's a man who has had a profound drug problem. The court sought to assist him (by way of the community order) - he made a reasonable start but then there was a falling off."

Mr Edwards said his client's attitude had changed since his move to Chester and asked Deputy District Judge Lee Davies, who sentenced Blackwell on the previous occasion, to give him "a final chance."

The Deputy District Judge told the defendant: "I gave you the community order for similar offences, as you know - and I have to deal with you now because you have committed more.

"Sending you to prison might be the easiest option, but I am just about persuaded I shouldn't.

"You have come very close, but there is slight reason to be optimistic here.

"You've started to engage, and this is only going to work if you engage on the drugs issue."

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The Leader:

Blackwell received a total custodial sentence of four weeks, but it was suspended for 12 months.

He must pay £85 costs and a £156 victim surcharge.

A £120 fine was imposed for the breach of the community order.

Deputy District Judge Davies said: "This really is your last chance. Take it, or go to prison."

The defendant replied: "I appreciate that."