Court bans man from entering any shop in Wrexham city centre

John Haden, of Grosvenor Road in Wrexham, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Monday.

The 29-year-old admitted three offences; theft of goods from Co-op in Lord Street, Wrexham, resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer.

Justin Espie, prosecuting, told the court that on Sunday (June 2), Haden was recognised by the manager of the Co-op as he was banned.

But he entered the store and made his way straight to the chocolate, where he took a handful of items worth £9.60 altogether and concealed them in his pockets.

The manager asked him to give them back, but he said: "I don't have time for this," and left.

North Wales Police was alerted and officers located the defendant at Island Green, where they made to arrest him.

But Haden pulled away and grabbed onto a chair, leading to him being sprayed and taken to the floor.

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He continued to lash out at the officers, and while his actions didn't result in any physical contact or injury, they still created an apprehension of violence, the court heard.

Mr Espie explained Haden has more then 200 previous convictions on his record and has been before the court several times during 2024 - most recently on Thursday last week.

Euros Jones, defending, told the court: "He pleaded guilty and has spent over 24 hours in custody.

"It's very unlike him to resort to any kind of violence.

"Having spent months on the streets, one thing he has got is his accommodation - but he's not been scripted yet.

"He stole the chocolates simply to eat and he was in a great deal of pain because he was withdrawing."

Mr Jones said while probation could have recalled Haden to jail, officers had opted not to do that.

He asked the court to consider imposing measures which allowed his client to retain his liberty and his accommodation.

Mr Jones did concede however that his client's offences were committed whilst he was subject to a community order and a conditional discharge.

The court handed down a £120 fine and ordered Haden to pay £9.60 compensation, as well as £85 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

He also received a prohibition order, completely banning him from entering any retail store or shop within Wrexham city centre for the duration of his ongoing court order.