A MAN who has had "more suspended sentences than people have had hot dinners" has been spared jail after burgling a charity.

Juan Guerrero, of River Street in Rhyl, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentence on Wednesday.

The 49-year-old had previously been convicted of burglary; which took place in May 2023 in Rhyl and involved him taking a smart TV.

Anna Price, prosecuting, told the court that on the day of the offence, Guerrero entered the Big Help Project - a charity which helps and provides accommodation for homeless people.

Guerrero entered a bedroom at the project and was later seen leaving.
It was discovered a TV had been taken from the bedroom - but fortunately the appliance was found and returned undamaged.

The defendant was stopped and searched a short while later and found to have the remote control for the TV.

Ms Price said the defendant had entered and left quickly, suggesting there had been some planning.

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Having heard Judge Niclas Parry's intention to impose a suspended sentence with unpaid work hours, defending counsel Ryan Rothwell made no submissions in mitigation.

Judge Parry told the defendant: "You've had more sentences than people have had hot dinners and breached them.

"But this offence goes back some time and there has been a significant improvement in your mental health and general stability.

"You're now deemed to be manageable in the community and you're complying with your current suspended sentence, as well as coping well with the supervision following your release [from custody].

"Bearing in mind the current conditions and demand on prisons, I impose a six month prison sentence - but I suspend that for 12 months."

The Judge handed down 80 hours of unpaid work.