A WREXHAM man targeted the same shop to steal booze from five times in a matter of months, a court heard.

Aaron Hughes, of Chapel Place in Poyser Street, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old admitted five counts of theft, all of which took place at the Co-op in Poplar Road on dates in October, November and December last year.

Hannah Williams, prosecuting, told the court that on each of the offence dates, Hughes simply walked into the store, selected cans of lager and left without making any attempt to pay for them.

All of the incidents were captured on CCTV and involved a combination of Carlsberg Export and Heineken.

He was also seen "watching" the house.

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Pierce Blythen, defending, told the court: "He has entered guilty pleas to all offences and made full and frank admissions.

"In his interview, he described himself as going through a rough patch.

"The reality is he'd been released from custody with no support and as such his mental health declined.

"He is now thankfully back with his family and he has that support.

"He's a labourer by trade and is looking to secure work.

The Leader:

"Each of the offences involved little to no planning and are not sophisticated."

The court heard the defendant is taking part in post-sentence supervision, with a probation officer confirming he has been "engaging really well."

Hughes received a £100 fine and must pay a £40 victim surcharge, as well as £85 costs and £33.55 compensation.