A WREXHAM man has been ordered to pay compensation after stealing a statue of enormous sentimental value.

Ioan McKenzie, of Churton Drive, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 46-year-old admitted one offence of theft by finding.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that on June 28 this year, McKenzie took a green dragon statue from the window ledge of a property in Holt Road, Wrexham.

He was then stopped by police, but it wasn't realised at that point he'd taken the statue.

As such he went home, taking the item with him.

It was then reported stolen and later found damaged in his bin.

In a victim impact statement read to the court by Mr Espie, the owner of the statue said the crime had left them "distraught" as the statue was of sentimental importance.

It was given to them by their partner, who has since passed away.

Mr Espie said the offence left the owner feeling that their home was no longer a "safe place."

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Gary Harvey, defending, said: "He was found with it in his possession, but was allowed to go home so took it with him.

"He doesn't remember anything about it as he was intoxicated.

"He doesn't know how he came into possession of it - That's why it's 'theft by finding.'

"He was wandering home and must have gone into the garden."

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Mr Harvey said his client has "a lengthy record," most of which revolved around him funding a drug habit.

But more recently that habit has turned to alcohol.

Deputy District Judge Andrew Garthwaite told the defendant: "The problem you always face when taking things is you never know what the sentiment behind it is.

"I have no clue what the actual (monetary) value of that ornament is, probably pounds and pence - but it's going to cost you a lot more."

The Judge handed down an 18 month conditional discharge and ordered the defendant to pay £150 compensation.