A SHOPLIFTER has been banned from all Co-op stores in the Wrexham area.

Kevin Crocombe appeared at North East Wales Magistrates’ Court where he admitted theft from the Co-op in Market Street in Rhos on July 4 this year.

Prosecutor Rhian Jackson said that a member of the public told a staff member that the defendant offered meat to her outside the store.

CCTV footage showed Crocombe taking washing up tablets from the shelves and then returning later to steal nine steaks. The total value of the stolen items was £75.

Crocombe, 38, of Llys Penuel, Rhos told police he took the items to sell so he could buy drugs as he had a cocaine habit.

A probation report said Crocombe’s benefits had been suspended at the time and that “he didn’t like being told what to do”.

District Judge Gwyn Jones told him to complete 10 rehabilitation activity days as part of a 12-month community sentence and undergo drug rehab for six months, telling him: “You might not like being told what to do, however the facts of life are that we’ve all got to comply with rules.”

Crocombe was also told to pay £75 compensation for the stolen goods as well as court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £90.