A MAN was caught stealing beer from a Wrexham landmark hotel, a court heard.

Clayton Hardy, 20, of Crescent Close, appeared in custody before Wrexham magistrates after a security guard found him in the bar of the Wynnstay Arms with a full jug of beer in his hand.

The court heard a security guard employed by administrators KPMG stumbled across Hardy inside the hotel on Monday evening and he was detained while police officers were called.

Matthew Ellis, prosecuting, said: “Hardy was found in the foyer holding a jug of beer.

“When questioned by police he claimed he had been told the beer taps were still working and there was a way to get in.

“He admitted he intended to take beer away and consume beer on the site.”

Ceri Evans, defending, said Hardy’s actions were unsophisticated and he had not broken into the premises.

“Everyone knows the Wynnstay is empty at the moment and according to my client word has got around the young people that beer is available behind the bar,” she said.

“He saw this as a waste and because there were a few panels loose at the back of the property he took his chance.

“He thought he had a right to it and didn’t see it as the same as breaking into a house or business in use. But the law obviously says different.”

Hardy, who admitted entering the premises as a trespasser, was bailed with the condition that he reports to Wrexham Police Station every day at 11am until his sentencing at the magistrates court on August 17.