A HOMELESS man from Wrexham has been jailed after admitting to two charges of theft while subject to a suspended sentence.

James Alexander Hourigan, 34, pleaded guilty to stealing steaks from the Co-op and washing powder from Heron Foods, committing both offences while subject to two suspended sentences for similar crimes.

Justin Espie, prosecuting, told Wrexham Magistrates that despite the fact Hourgian disputed the exact value of the items taken on August 25, that was actually irrelevant and should have no bearing on the suspended sentences being activated.

Alun Williams, defending, said the main reason for Hourigan committing the offences was due to the fact his universal credit payments changing in May, which has caused him severe problems.

However, Mr Williams went on to say that there was nothing he could reasonably say to claim it would be unjust to activate the suspended sentence, despite the fact Hourigan, who has significant alcohol issues, had essentially been left to his own devices by the Probation service.

Chair of the Magistrates Deborah McKinoe told Hourigan she had little option but to activate both suspended sentences, which were for a period of 12 weeks each and also added two weeks for each of the thefts, which will mean he will a serve a total of 28 weeks in prison.