A SERIAL shoplifter from Wrexham has been given a jail sentence.

Craig Michael Lambert, 43, of Poplar Road, was charged with three counts of possession of MDMB (Mamba) and seven for shoplifting from various stores in the town, most recently when on bail.

Rhian Jackson, prosecuting, told Wrexham Magistrates that Lambert had a £100-a-day habit that included both heroin and Mamba and was well known to business owners in the area.

She said Lambert had been stopped and searched by police three times in July and August of last year and found to be in possession of Mamba.

The theft offences ranged from between April 24 and May 9 and included items such as cheese, cleaning products, handbags and suncream from shops including The Co-op and Deichmann.

Catherine Jagger, defending, said it clearly wasn't worth sugar coating Lambert's behaviour or his record, which is both long and varied but having spoken to an outreach worker from Richmond House, he was considered by them to be a prime candidate for detox.

Miss Jagger added that Lambert had grown tired of his lifestyle, was "going around in vicious circles" and that another custodial sentence would likely do more harm than good and an alternative should be considered as the resources seem to be clearly available to him.

District Judge Gwyn Jones said he had given some serious consideration on what he called a significant issue and acknowledged that the likes of Richmond House had offered support but noted Lambert had not taken the help that had been offered to him before and it was not up to the probation service to come and find him.

On handing Lambert a sentence for a total of 20 weeks, Judge Jones said he was satisfied that it was the right outcome.