A MAN has been put behind bars after contributing to the "near-daily" blight of shoplifting faced by a Wrexham store. 

Adam Roberts, of Hampson Avenue in Wrexham, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Friday.

The 37-year-old admitted three offences of theft from shop - which took place at the Co-op in Prince Charles Road on March 4 and April 16, as well as Tesco on April 13.

Prosecutor Rhian Jackson told the court that the first offence on March 4 saw the defendant going into the Co-op and concealing just over £40 worth of chocolate and other items in his jacket before leaving.

He then went to Tesco on April 13 and took three boxes of headphones and deodorant worth £124.

Finally, at Co-op on April 16, he took coffee worth around £26.

Roberts admitted he had failed to comply with a community order imposed by the court in January - also for theft.

In a statement read to the court by Ms Jackson, a spokesman for Tesco said that "no one has the right to take items."

The Leader: Adam Roberts (NWP)Adam Roberts (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police)The spokesman said such offences are "having an effect on the business morale of staff," and that it is something they are dealing with "on a near-daily basis."

Bethan Jones, defending, told the court: "This man's liberty is obviously in jeopardy today; he's aware of that.

"It is an acquisitive offence, essentially serving a heavy heroin addiction.

"He is clearly not recovering and desperately needs assistance."

Ms Jones asked the court to consider stepping back from immediate custody, stating: "I am concerned about the deterioration of his mental health.

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"I accept he is a nuisance offender in that he keeps coming back."

Deputy District Judge Paul Conlon told the defendant: "These are relatively low value thefts but I must also take into account your response to previous court orders, which isn't good.

"The report from probation shows you have more or less not engaged at all with the community order.

The Leader:

"I have no alternative to an immediate custodial sentence, given you have continued to offend."

The Judge jailed Roberts for a total of eight weeks.

On his release, he must pay £100 in part-compensation to Tesco, and £54 to Co-op.