A MAN who could not remember stealing a £1,000 pushbike has been given a chance to get his life back on track.

Christopher Macbeth, of Chester Road West in Queensferry, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court for sentence on Wednesday.

The 41-year-old had previously admitted theft of a pedal cycle, which took place on December 5, 2022, at Queensferry.

He'd also admitted breaching his criminal behaviour order (CBO) on that date by being in possession of a pedal cycle without documentary proof of ownership.

Prosecutor Rhian Jackson told the court that the owner of the stolen bike, which was worth £1,000, had secured it with a lock whilst going into a cafe for 20 to 40 minutes.

CCTV caught Macbeth approaching, briefly going to the cafe's foyer to see if anyone was coming out, then going "straight to the bike."

He then cut the chain securing it and rode away on it with his hood up.

His possession of the bike put him in breach of the CBO, which was imposed in 2021, and came after the defendant received a 14 month term of imprisonment for conspiracy to steal pedal cycles in 2020.

After interviewing Macbeth, a probation officer told the court: "He said at the time, he was using drugs heavily and doesn't remember committing the offence.

"He doesn't know what he did with the bike. He can only think he sold it to buy drugs.

"He was desperate, living on benefits and trying to finance a drugs habit.

"This offence has motivated him to get clean from drugs - he said he didn't want to live like that any more."

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Bethan Jones, defending, told the court her client had the possibility to move to his own accommodation, which was a very positive step - and asked the court to allow him to do that.

"I ask you to bear in mind," she said, "this case has been adjourned for two or three weeks.

"In that time he's contacted probation no less than three times chasing appointments - this is a change and a step forward.

"And his accommodation offer is massive for him."

She explained that the defendant had initially pleaded not guilty to the offences, but once he'd seen CCTV footage and recognised himself, he was "illuminated" and had an "epiphany" as to the truth of his guilt.

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Ms Jones added: "The events seem to have been committed in a drug-induced state.

"I submit this was a very genuine change of plea."

Macbeth received a 26 week term of imprisonment, but it was suspended for 12 months.

He must undertake 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

Given he already owes the court some £4,000 from previous offences, a limited order for £500 in compensation was made in respect of the stolen bike.