A MAN from Wrexham has been given a 12 month conditional discharge after he admitted failing to return to prison following a recall.

Niall Adam Rowley, 26, had been recalled to HMP Altcourse in Liverpool after he failed to return to Highfield House in Accrington, Lancashire.

Justin Espie, prosecuting, told town magistrates Rowley had been released from HMP Berwyn in Wrexham on April 11 and was sent to the approved accommodation to complete the remainder of his sentence but had failed to return there on May 19.

Mr Espie added Rowley was arrested by police on July 10 at his mothers address on Colliery Road, Wrexham, having absconded for 37 days.

Emma Simoes, defending, told the court Rowley had issues with other residents at Highfield House and did not feel safe at the property, but had been in constant engagement with the Probation Service during his period of absence.

Ms Simoes added Rowley had been described as having demonstrated a "remarkable" attitude since his release from prison and he had not returned to Highfield House as a result of "exceptional circumstances".

Magistrates' chairman Kevin McCallum told Rowley: "The manner in which you bunked off is clearly not acceptable".

However he accepted the circumstances surrounding the case were exceptional as he had remained in contact with Probation Service.

The court heard Rowley was likely to complete the remainder of his sentence at another facility in Cheshire, which the Probation Service confirmed was due to run until February 2019.