A MAN who broke a pool cue and stole coffee and cigarettes in Abergele, before twice damaging police cells in St Asaph, has been spared jail.

Daniel Broome, 34, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to five weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court today (March 25).

During today’s hearing, he admitted charges of theft, criminal damage to property and assault.

The court heard that, on March 22, Broome was arrested for an unrelated matter, and while in a cell at St Asaph Police Station, threw food across its walls; this cost £71.96 to clean.

He was released the following day and ordered to reside at the Gwesty Glyndŵr hotel.

Broome was sat in a communal area of the hotel when he suddenly grabbed a pool cue and threw it against a wall, before damaging a chair.

A resident who witnessed this said she was left feeling “scared”, adding that it had a detrimental effect on her depression and anxiety.

The defendant then left the hotel to go to the Co-op store on Marine Terrace, where he attempted to buy a coffee and cigarettes.

But he made off with both items, which had a total value of £17.10, after his attempted payment was declined.

After being arrested, he again threw food across the walls of a police cell, which also cost £71.96 to clean.

During these incidents, he also assaulted Ian Cox, a police officer.

Defending Broome, Andy Scott said his client had “very little recollection” of these incidents.

Broome has also been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was said to suffer from “significant mental health issues”.

“He’s clearly not a well man,” Mr Scott said.

In addition to his suspended sentence, Broome was ordered to pay compensation of £17.10 to the Co-op, £143.92 to North Wales Police, and £20.00 to the Gwesty Glyndŵr hotel.

“For the next 12 months, you’ve got to stay out of trouble,” he was warned by the District Judge presiding over the case.