A MAN stole alcohol from a shop on the same day he was released from prison, a court heard.

Jordan Gray Roberts, of Bryn Goleu, Southsea, Wrexham, entered guilty pleas to two charges of theft at North East Wales Magistrates’ Court, following incidents at the Windsor Road branch of Londis.

Rhian Jackson, prosecuting, said Roberts, 20, was caught on CCTV at around 7.30pm on May 28, picking up a crate of Becks lager and leaving the store.

On June 8 at 9.45pm, he carried out a similar offence, taking a crate of Stella dark fruit cider and leaving the store without paying.

Roberts was identified by a police officer who had been working closely with him and was subsequently arrested.

He told officers during his interview that on both occasions he had been intoxicated and was on his way to attend a party.

Roberts, who has 19 previous convictions for 44 offences, said the May incident had happened on the same day he had been released from prison and he had no money to buy alcohol.

Ian Barnes, defending, said Roberts was now working again with the police officer who had “taken him under his wing” after the defendant had phoned him asking for help.

“There does appear to be some change in him,” added Mr Barnes.

A progress report from the probation service said Roberts was “complying fully” and showing a “huge improvement” in his behaviour.

Deputy district judge, Andrew Jebb, ordered Roberts to pay a fine of £70 as well as £21 compensation to Londis. He will also pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £30.