A shoplifter stole booze one day after getting out of jail in order to fund his drug use, a court heard.

Robert Bailey, of Rhosddu Road, was produced in custody at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The 33-year-old admitted three counts of theft from a shop, one of failing to remain for drugs assessment by police and one of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour.

Justin Espie, prosecuting, told the court the first offence chronologically took place at Premier Express in Victoria Road, Wrexham, on September 12 last year.

Bailey entered the store and selected three bottles of alcohol before trying to leave.

He was confronted and became aggressive with staff, causing them to fear for their safety.

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As he was being dealt with, another person leaned into the shop and took the bottles he'd placed on the ground, meaning they weren't recovered.

On March 8 this year, he entered Sainsbury's in Wrexham and took alcohol without paying for it.

Then, on March 11, he entered Aldi in Ruthin Road - once again stealing alcohol.
Altogether, the value of the stolen goods came to just over £220.

Bethan Jones, defending, said: "He is a young man who has suffered severe substance misuse issues in the past.

"He was released from HMP Berwyn on March 7 and was homeless at that stage with no means whatsoever.

"The positive thing is that he's now been given a prescription for methadone and had accommodation as well.

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"Clearly these offence were committed for a reason. [The alcohol] was to be sold on to buy substances.

"Yes, you could send him to prison today but I anticipate I'll be saying the same thing to you in six seeks - it's a revolving door."

Overall, the court imposed an eight week custodial sentence but suspended it for one year.

Bailey must pay compensation totalling £221.94.