A WREXHAM man with a First Class degree in Criminology was caught trying to steal more than £100 of goods from Asda.

Paul Edward Roberts, 46, of Wrexham Road, Abermorddu, who also gained a distinction when studying for his masters in the same subject, admitted to the theft on October 26.

Justin Espie, prosecuting, told North East Wales Magistrates how Roberts had been observed on CCTV pushing a trolley around the store at around 7pm, and that he had a heavy looking orange bag hanging off the back of it. When he approached the entrance to the store, staff nearby became alerted when he removed the bag from the trolley, which resulted in the clinking of several bottles of alcohol.

Mr Espie went on to explain how Roberts was then stopped by security staff who found he had covered the tags on the bottles with tin foil, while they also recovered a joint of meat, with the value of all of the items being £127.18.

Ceri Lewis, defending, told the court how Roberts and his partner, who have two children together, both had a history of drug misuse and at the time of offence had been struggling financially; however, she said how both were now on methadone scripts would hopefully enable them to improve their lives.

Ms Lewis went on to say how Roberts was far from unintelligent and went on a nine year spell from 2008 where he didn’t commit any offences at all because he had been studying for his degree and completing his masters in criminology. She said how Roberts had grown disillusioned in 2017 when his past indiscretions had acted as a barrier and been held against him when applying for jobs and opportunities to work in that field.

Magistrates handed Roberts a 12 month community order which contain an 20 day rehabilitation aspect. He must also pay court costs of £50 and surcharge of £85.