A man has been given a second chance to complete his suspended sentence - with a warning that the likelihood of another opportunity is "very, very slim."

Joshua Evans, of White Lion Close in Summerhill, received a suspended sentence at Chester Crown Court in December 2023 for possession with intent to supply drugs.

The 24-year-old appeared at Mold Crown Court on Tuesday morning having breached that sentence by missing his unpaid work appointments.

Karl Scholz, prosecuting, told the court that the defendant had two unauthorised absences on his order, but it was recognised by the probation service that they were either due to ill health or working away.

The court was asked to consider allowing the order to continue, with a fine or additional unpaid work.

A probation officer told the court that as of Tuesday, Evans had completed 66 hours of unpaid work and has 84 remaining.

Representing himself, the defendant told Judge Rhys Rowlands he works as a plasterer and that "one of the reasons" for him missing unpaid work was his job taking him away from the area.

Judge Rowlands told him: "This is a serious matter, but your compliance has picked up since the breach.

MORE NEWS

"I think you are coming to your senses and one thing you have to realise is that this is a court order.

"The unpaid work is intended as punishment and you can't pick and choose whether you do it."

The defendant received a £250 fine and must pay £180 costs.

The Leader:

"I will not add any more hours," the Judge told him.

"It does seem you're working hard and you're able to finish these hours.

"If you come back again, the chances of your being given another chance are very, very slim."