A BURGLAR "frittered away" a significant amount of money he'd stolen from a friend by feeding his slot machine addiction, a court heard.

Ian Edwards, of no fixed abode, appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court on Thursday for sentence via video link from HMP Berwyn.

The 58-year-old had previously admitted that on May 6, he entered a property in Woodlands Road, Froncysyllte, as a trespasser and stole a safe containing cash and jewellery worth £18,000.

Alexandra Carrier, prosecuting, told the court the victims, Marisa Sidoli and Michael Palin, returned to the property on the day in question to find the safe was missing.

Suspicions were raised about the defendant's potential involvement as he'd been seen "hanging around" in the days leading up to the incident.

He was also a friend to Mr Palin.

Officers went to an area of elevated woodland where he'd been seen.

He was found there, along with the safe - which had been forced open - and the jewellery.

Edwards admitted taking the money, which he needed for gambling, but claimed he had no need for the jewellery.

In a victim impact statement, Ms Sidoli said she found the incident extremely upsetting.

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Ian Edwards (NWP)Ian Edwards (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police) It had come soon after the death of her mother, she said.

Edwards had 14 previous convictions for 29 offences - 15 of which were theft related.

Alun Williams, defending, told the court: "He was born in Wrexham and educated at Dinas Bran in Llangollen.

"After leaving school he worked as an electrical contractor, and in the mobile catering industry.

"He tells me he's a compulsive gambler, and he's been subject to that since the age of about 11."

Mr Williams said his client had reached out for help for the first time whilst in custody.

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Regarding the money he's taken, Mr Williams added: "He's addicted to slot machines.

"All of the money he'd stolen was frittered away in a short period of time."

Judge Nicola Saffman jailed Edwards for two years.

Speaking after the sentencing, investigating officer PC Lauren Halliwell of the priority crime team said: “This burglary was an incredibly upsetting and invasive incident for the victims, who feared they had lost sentimental jewellery passed down from family.

“Following the diligent and dedicated work of the response officers, CID and the burglary team following the arrest, they were quickly able to recover the stolen items and return them back to the owners.

“Burglaries have devastating impact on victims and my message to those who commit these offences in North Wales is that you will be caught, and you will be brought to justice.

"I am grateful to the Court for passing a custodial sentence in this case and hope this gives Edwards' victims some measure of comfort."