A SALTNEY Ferry man has been handed a fine after he admitted stealing stock from a fishing tackle shop worth hundreds of pounds.
Matthew Williams, of Ewart Street, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Monday.
The 29-year-old admitted that between July and August last year he stole items to the value of £294.68 from Tackle and Baits in Saltney.
READ MORE: Wrexham class A drug gang members jailed
Sara Worland, prosecuting, told the court that on three separate occasions, Williams was spotted on CCTV entering the shop and concealing various items on his person before leaving without making payment.
The items were not recovered and when he was interviewed the defendant initially denied the offence.
Emma Simoes, defending, told the court: "He is very remorseful for the commission of this offence.
"He is a fisherman by trade and he's attended that store for many years.
"It was the peak of lockdown and he had heard some other people had managed to take some things.
"He tried it on and he regrets it."
READ MORE: HMP Berwyn inmate handed sentence for 'significant' drugs haul
Penny Rogers, chair of the magistrates, told Matthews: "It was a very foolish thing to do, and I am sure you regret it."
Williams received a fine of £80 and was ordered to pay back the value of the stolen items in compensation, as well as £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.
Make sure you don't miss the top court stories of the week by signing up to our free court newsletter
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here