Manchester man stole Pokemon cards from Wrexham B&M Bargains

Andrew Hutchinson, of Moss Row in Bury, was produced in custody at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 45-year-old admitted one offence of theft, which took place on Monday (September 2).

Prosecutor Rhian Jackson told the court the defendant entered B&M Bargains in Wrexham and selected goods collectively worth £139.93.

The items included five boxes of Pokemon cards, a tin of Pokemon cards, a bag and perfume.

A member of staff challenged him and managed to retrieve all of the stock, but the Pokemon card boxes were "completely destroyed" and so could not be resold.

As such, Ms Jackson asked the court to consider compensation to their value; £99.95.

When Hutchinson was arrested and interviewed, he admitted the offence and said he had intended to enter the store to steal goods for his child.

The court heard he had 45 previous convictions for 137 offences - 103 of which are for theft and related crimes.

Laura MacMillan, defending, told the court her client was released from prison on the day of the offences.

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He had no money, but didn't want to return home to his child "empty handed," she said, adding: "He is a man who has had issues in life and is addicted to drugs.

"He planned to go back to Manchester after he was released form custody yesterday, but currently he is street homeless."

The Magistrates remarked Hutchinson's record was "one of the worst" they had seen "for a long time."

The defendant received a 12 month conditional discharge and must pay back compensation to the value specified by Ms Jackson, as well as a £26 victim surcharge.