Rhos man in court after stealing food from Spar store

David Mahon, of Erw Las in Rhos, was produced in custody at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning.

The 39-year-old admitted one count of theft, in that on May 9, he stole several items belonging to Spar in Rhos.

Prosecutor Rhian Jackson told the court that at around 2.15pm on the day in question, Mahon entered the store in Market Street.

He selected sausages, mayonnaise, peri-peri chicken and Stella - placing them in a bag before proceeding to the tills and paying for a loaf of bread only.

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The offence was captured on CCTV and Mahon was identified.

He was interviewed by police and admitted having entered the store with the intention to steal.

Mahon said he didn't have money due to the cost of living.

Stephen Edwards, defending, said his client is a married man and a dad-of-three who works for a local construction company.

"He is the sole breadwinner," Mr Edwards explained, "as his wife is not in employment and it is a struggle financially.

"By the time they have paid the rent, food and energy costs, he and his wife struggle to make ends meet.

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"Unfortunately he made a stupid decision on May 8, after having a couple of drinks which gave him some false Dutch courage.

"The items taken are not those of an alcoholic or a drug-taker; they are of someone who was struggling financially and made a stupid mistake.

"He paid for the bread, but didn't have enough for the other items."

Catherine Wantling, chair of the magistrates, told the defendant: "You have made a very stupid mistake.

"You went to your local shop and stole from them, which is very unkind - they are providing a service."

The Magistrates handed down a 12 month conditional discharge, as well as ordering the defendant to pay £17 compensation, a £26 victim surcharge and £85 costs.