WREXHAM’S derelict former police station was targeted by a hapless burglar, a court was told.

The North Wales Police's former divisional HQ at Bodhyfryd closed its doors in January, but magistrates heard the high-rise building had being attracting the attention of criminals as it awaited demolition.

David Snell was caught on the roof of the premises looking for scrap metal to sell on before he was spotted by an officer and talked down.

Snell, 49, of Kingstown, Wrexham, pleaded guilty at North East Wales Magistrates Court to a charge of attempted burglary on May 5.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said officers responded to a call that there was a person acting suspiciously at the former police premises. They heard movement and then Snell was spotted looking through a window.

“He was told to come down as he was on the roof and said he was looking for scrap metal,” said Ms Tench.

Alun Jones, defending, told the Mold court Snell was a carer for his wife who suffered from a muscle-wasting disease.

“When he puts her to bed it is often the case he goes for walk and then he did what he did.

“The police station is closed and the steps of decommissioning it have been somewhat slow.

"It is fair to say people have become aware of that," said Mr Jones.

"He was walking past and his curiosity got the best of him and he went to see if he could gain access and find something to sell on.

“It doesn’t appear he managed to do anything untoward.”

The solicitor said Snell had a long history of offending, but he had been out of trouble since 2017 and had showed remorse.

Magistrates handed Snell a conditional discharge for a year and told him to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £20.