A WREXHAM man stole meat from five shops in order to feed himself and his drug habit, a court heard.

Paul Loose, of Bath Road, was produced in custody at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old admitted seven counts of theft from shops, all of which took place this month at various shops in Wrexham.

Hannah Williams, prosecuting, told the court the charges largely speak for themselves - in that on each occasion, Loose entered the stores and took varying amounts of meat.

The shops targeted were Co-op in Poplar Road, Asda in Holt Road, Aldi at Plas Coch Retail Park, Morrisons at Rhosnesni Lane and Abbey One Stop in Tan y Coed.

Altogether, the meat stolen came to a value of more than £180.

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The court heard the defendant was given an community order earlier this month - with one of the latest offences having been committed before its imposition and the rest after.

Melissa Griffiths, defending, told the court: "Mr Loose is someone with complex mental health issues.

"But when he's properly medicated, those issues are kept at bay.

"The other issue that affects him is his drug use; he has a long standing addiction to crack cocaine which rears up when he's released from custody.

"All of the items taken were food or meat - he has taken that either to eat or to sell to fund his drug habit."

Ms Griffiths said her client now has a housing support officer and "fairly settled accommodation."

"He has an appointment at the Elms next week," she added, "which will be crucial in helping him come to terms with his problem.

The Leader:

"He needs professional help."

The court revoked the community order imposed earlier this month - and resentenced the defendant to a total of 16 weeks in custody for his original offences, and the latest seven thefts.

But the custodial sentence was suspended for 12 months with one requirement - 19 days of rehabilitation activity.

He must pay a £154 victim surcharge, £85 costs and compensation to each of the stores to the value of the stolen meat.