A WREXHAM man stole jewellery from a department store because he had not eaten for five days, a court heard.

Appearing at North East Wales Magistrates’ Court, Peter Steinitz, pleaded guilty to taking jewellery to the value of £246 from Debenhams in Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre on June 27.

Stephen Davies, prosecuting, said police officers were called at around 3pm after security staff at the store detained a shoplifter who had taken items of jewellery and put them in his bag before leaving through the St George’s Crescent exit.

Steinitz, 64, who also pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage, was taken to an office room inside the store where he later urinated on the floor.

Emily Carlisle, defending, said her client was no stranger to the courts but had also not committed a shoplifting offence for 20 years.

She said Steinitz had noticed the jewellery on a stand close to the door and taken his opportunity because he had not eaten for five days and was desperate for food.

Steinitz, of Chapel Street, Wrexham, said he had not received his benefits since February 6 and had been forced to take food from bins and rely on neighbours feeding him. Ms Carlisle said that once Steinitz was at the police station he had eaten four meals in quick succession.

She added that he was suffering from early onset dementia and struggled to remember when he had made appointments to discuss his benefits.

Chair of the bench, Phillip Jones, handed Steinitz a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £50 compensation to Debenhams, costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £20.