A SHOPLIFTER who stole fake tanning lotion and expensive aftershaves from stores in Wrexham has been given a curfew.

Paul Edwards Roberts, 46, of Wrexham Road, Abermorddu, has had problems with drug misuse for several years, and that had been the catalyst for his thieving.

Appearing at Mold Magistrates Court he admitted three counts of theft, one of which was carried out just eight days after a previous court appearance resulted in him being given a community order.

Rhian Jackson, prosecuting, said the first two incidents happened within the spate of just a few minutes, Roberts entered Boots store in Eagles Meadow on September 3 and took five bottles of fake tanning lotion which had a value of £161.

He then went to Debenhams and took three bottles of aftershave worth £187 off the shelves, but was stopped from leaving by staff. The items, worth a total of £187, were recovered, but the fake tanning lotion from Boots wasn’t.

Despite appearing in court on November 11 last year where he pleaded guilty to theft and made subject of a 12 month community order, just eight days later, Roberts returned to Debenhams where he stole a aftershave worth £114.

Emma Simoes, defending, said Roberts was doing “extremely well” with the help and support of the probation service. Despite having an unenviable history of offending, Ms Simoes said how all his crimes were a result of his drug misuse. However, she said Roberts was “very committed to change” and wanted to maintain his abstinence.

He was given a 9pm-6am daily curfew for the next six weeks and must pay £161 compensation to Boots, a surcharge of £91 and court costs of £85.