A MAN who tried to burgle an empty house in Wrexham has been sent to jail.

Derek Roberts, of no fixed bode, was sentenced at Mold Crown Court after admitting to one charge of burglary.

The court was told by prosecutor Ms Willmott that the 38-year-old was spotted in the late evening of June 17 near Hoel Mabon.

North Wales Police were called when a man matching Roberts’ description was seen to smash a key safe off a wall at the property.

The man walked away but then returned after a short while, now sporting a balaclava.

Ms Wilmott continued to tell the court how Roberts then went to break into the council-owned property that was in the process of being renovated after the former tenant had died.

Police came to the scene of the property and believed it was secure – but then found Roberts at the back of the property who officers recognised due to his history of crime in the area.

He tried to escape on foot but was arrested by police.

When he was searched by officers, the court heard that Roberts had a set of keys with him.

He claimed these were for his own house but they were in fact a perfect match for the Hoel Mabon property where he was arrested.

Roberts also had a pair of latex gloves in his possession.

The court was told that inside the property, radiators and piping had been ‘pulled away’ from the walls and piled up by the door ready for the thief to make their escape.

This damage to the property was roughly estimated to be in the region of £650, Ms Willmott adds.

In police interview, Roberts made claims that he was just looking for somewhere to spend the night and told officers that he knew the previous resident.

The prosecutor foes on to outline Roberts’ lengthy criminal record.

She tells the court these are mainly theft related as well as dishonesty.

An emphasis was placed on three previous burglaries he has been tried for.

His defence solicitor, Mr Bould, said that Roberts understands prison would be the most likely outcome of today.

He adds that the judge considers that nothing was stolen from the property.

The fact Roberts made full admissions in court should also give him some credit for a lower sentence.

Whilst already held in custody, Mr Bould tells the court that Roberts has come off drugs and is starting to help him become ‘a completely different character’.

The judge had to agree that a year of jail time was his only option, however.

Judge Niclas Parry said: “This was a pre-planned burglary. You had clothes capable of disguising yourself. You had the gloves, you caused damage and you were there to steal metal.

“I am however pleased to hear you’re making positive use of your time in prison already.”

Roberts will serve half his sentence – which includes the days he has already been in custody – before serving the remainder on license in the community.

He was warned by the judge that failing to stick to the law during that period would see him straight back behind bars.