Wrexham shoplifter jailed for £400 theft spree

A man who stole more than £400 worth of goods from Wrexham city centre stores to fund his drug habit has been jailed for 18 weeks.

Steven Edwards, 53, of no fixed abode, appeared in custody at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday where he admitted four offences of shoplifting.

Prosecutor Shane Maddocks told the court the first offence took place at Poundland in February when Edwards took two packets of Fairy pods. The second occurred at Co-op in Poplar Road in July, where he stole beer and cider.

The final two offences happened earlier this month – one at Boots at Plas Coch involving the theft of gift sets, and another at One Beyond where he took beauty products. The total value of stolen goods exceeded £400.

The court heard the later three offences put Edwards in breach of a suspended sentence.

Lorraine McClure, defending, said: “It seems positive. But he is stealing to fund his drug habit. He’s a long-term heroin user.”

Ms McClure asked the court to give Edwards “one last chance,” adding: “All I’d say is that there has been some positive engagement with the probation team.”

Deputy District Judge Paul Conlon told the defendant: “This is a continuing pattern of offending on your part; committed in large part whilst subject to orders of the court. There is only one option – imprisonment.”

The judge handed down two-week custodial terms for each of the four theft offences to run concurrently, and activated Edwards’ 16-week suspended sentence to run consecutively, totalling 18 weeks immediate custody.

Edwards must also pay compensation of £100 to Boots, £40 to One Beyond, £4 to Co-op and £10 to Poundland.