A MAN kicked out in anger damaging a police car after being arrested for stealing three computer games, a court has heard.
Austin Stratton, of Meifod Place, Wrexham, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court from custody, where he pleaded guilty to theft, criminal damage and supplying false details to police.
The court was told that on Friday Stratton, 22, went into a Tesco store where he took tinfoil from the ground floor and used it to conceal three Nintendo DS games which he stole from the first floor.
But Stratton was spotted by staff who detained him until police arrived.
Justin Espie, prosecuting said: “When he was detained by staff he became irate and started screaming.
“He was put in a police vehicle and kicked out, causing part of the frame to bend.”
Melissa Griffiths, defending, told the court Stratton had a history of offending, but got his life back on track after attending a drug rehabilitation clinic.
The catalyst for the latest offence was when he broke up with his girlfriend at the end of last year.
Ms Griffiths said: “He had no money and was offered some by an acquaintance if he stole some items.
“Having been detained he was annoyed with himself as much as anything.
“He kicked out at the police car and gave the wrong name and address.
“If he can stop his drug use he can hopefully become a useful member of society.”
While in custody Stratton wrote a letter which was handed to magistrates, expressing his remorse for the offence. But, handing him a 12-month community order, chairman of the bench Celia Jenkins warned Stratton it was his last chance.
She said: “You’ve written a very articulate letter and you claim not to be stupid. But your behaviour is not very clever and we are going to give you one last chance. Use it well.”
He was also ordered to undertake a six-month drug rehabilitation course, along with 120 hours of community service.
Police were awarded £85 compensation for damage to the vehicle and a £60 surcharge was also made against Stratton.