A MAN has been given a final chance to stay out of prison after his "poor planning" saw him breach a court order.

The Leader reported in April how Stephen Mullins, of Salisbury Street in Shotton, received a suspended sentence for an offence of affray.

North Wales Police had received a call on March 1, 2023, at 11.34am from Mullins who said he had been assaulted by three people.

However, CCTV played at the sentencing hearing showed him turn up to a Buckley address with a brick in hand before a fight broke out when he hit another man with it.

Mullins went on to sustain serious facial injuries during what was described as a "very ugly incident."

The 32-year-old found himself back in the dock at Mold Crown Court on Thursday, where he admitted breaching the suspended sentence order by failing to attend a probation appointment.

Karl Scholz, prosecuting, told the court the defendant had been offered six appointments at the time the Probation Service had prepared its report for the court hearing - and had attended only two.

However he had attended one more since then and has been offered another in July.

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Mr Scholz said probation officers recommended the order be allowed to continue and that Mullins could be given a fine.

Patrick Geddes, defending, said: "Clearly the missed appointment on March 21 was wholly unacceptable and shows a poor degree of planning on his part.

"It's a theme that runs throughout his history.

"He's fully aware of what the starting point is but he has been engaging to some degree.

"The order is only in its infancy and this is his first, and I hope only, breach."

Judge Rhys Rowlands told the defendant: "You were given a chance by the court in April.

The Leader:

"This is a poor start from where I'm sitting.

"But it looks as thought you may have come to your senses."

Judge Rowlands allowed the order to continue, but fined Mullins £250 and ordered him to pay 180 costs.

"You won't be given another chance," the Judge warned him.

"If you come back again having missed any appointments, as night follows day - you will end up going to prison."