THREE men who broke into a Flintshire service station to steal cigarettes and cash were found hiding in a barn by police dogs, a court heard.

John Barr, aged 27 and of Sapling Crescent in Kirkby, Stephen Fisher, aged 21 and of Scoter Road in Kirkby and Bobby Davies, aged 24 and of East Lancs Road in Liverpool appeared before Caernarfon Crown Court on Thursday for sentencing.

Each of them had previously admitted an offence of burglary at Rhydymwyn Service Station, which took place on July 16 last year.

Frances Wilmott, prosecuting, told the court police were alerted to a break-in at the service station before 4am on that day.

When officers arrived they found windows had been smashed and entry had been gained.

CCTV footage showed four men arriving - three of whom entered the premises with one waiting outside as a lookout.

The fourth man was never identified.

The three defendants were seen on CCTV looking around before taking a metal drawer containing cigarettes, tobacco and bottles of spirits.

Ms Wilmott said they took £60 from an office area and forced open a safe which contained keys to customers' cars, as well as vehicles for sale.

They tried to gain entry to vehicles on site but were unable to.

Keys were recovered from a bucket outside.

The men had left when police arrived, and made off at speed towards Denbigh, then returning towards Mold.

Eventually they were spotted travelling with no lights on the A494 through Queensferry towards Garden City.

Officers tried to catch the vehicle but were not able to.

It was found unattended later that morning.

Police dogs tracked the scent of the men to the North Wales Shooting School, where Davies, Fisher and Barr were found hiding in a barn.

They attempted to split up and run, but all three were apprehended.

Forensic examination showed that the car used in the offence had false plates.

The drawer containing the cigarettes and tobacco was found in the boot, along with hand and power tools.

John Williams, defending for Fisher, said: "He is the youngest of the three and he had the good sense to plead guilty."

Kenneth Heckle, defending for Davies, said: "I have to concede that the difference between him and the other two is that his record for burglary is far worse.

"He has come to court with bags, knowing he is going to prison. "He has an 18 months old son and he has conceded that he is going to find this very tough - he only has himself to blame."

Judge Nicola Jones told the three: "Significant public resources were deployed to find you.

"You were targeting a rural business.

"You all have relevant previous convictions."

The Judge handed each of them a 38 week custodial sentence and ordered them to pay £149 surcharge on their release.

Barr must serve his consecutive to an ongoing jail term he is currently serving.

"Do not let this sentence crush you," she told them.

"It is the shortest I could impose.

"You have kids - this has to be your last sentence if you want to get out of this offending cycle and stay out of prison."

The  three  were apprehended  following a joint response from officers in Local Policing, Alliance Firearms and Dog units and supported by the National Police Air Service.

Detective Constable Chris Irvine said: “It is a credit to these officer’s collective efforts that the offenders were brought to justice.

"This send a clear message that North Wales Police will relentlessly pursue those who target our communities for criminal purposes.”