A "PROLIFIC" thief who took thousands of pounds worth of stock from Mold and Wrexham shops has been spared jail.

Richard Lee Watson, aged 32 and of Bellevue Road in Wrexham, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

He had previously admitted a series of thefts from shops committed through January, February and March, including:

  • Garden furniture worth £2,347 from B&M Bargains on Holt Road, Wrexham
  • Chocolate worth £15.50 from One Below in Regent Street, Wrexham

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The Leader: Wrexham Magistrates CourtWrexham Magistrates Court (Image: Google)

  • More chocolate from One Below worth £80
  • Three bags of protein, to the value of £47.95, belonging to B&M Bargains, Wrexham
  • Various goods, to the value of approximately £150, belonging to Tesco in Mold
  • Chocolate, to the value of £35.96, belonging to Spar Stores in Rhosddu Road, Wrexham

Due to the "prolific nature" of his offending he received a 12 week prison sentence concurrent on each count - but they were suspended for 18 months.

Watson must participate in an accredited programme for 35 days and pay a £95 victim surcharge.

No order for costs was made due to the defendant's financial circumstances.

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