A convicted thief had “seen the light” and turned his back on mamba, his solicitor said.

Dean Allan Scott Bellis, 42, appeared before district judge Gwyn Jones at Wrexham Magistrates court yesterday charged with stealing a Phillips shaver worth £45 from Debenhams in the town on March 29.

The offence put Bellis in breach of a 12-month conditional discharge for four counts of theft and failing to comply with a public space protection order by being in a drug-induced state, which was imposed just 12 days before the most recent offence.

But Stephen Edwards, defending, said Bellis had avoided trouble and was now drug-free after a what was “very a poor start” to the conditional discharge.

Bellis, he added, had “suddenly lost at least three stone in weight” and had to go to hospital for tests.

At 42-years-of age, Bellis’ lifestyle appeared to be catching up with him, Mr Edwards added.

He had been homeless for more than two years but, after the court hearing, was due to pick up the keys to accommodation in Watery Road, Wrexham.

Probation officer Pamela Roberts said Bellis had been clean of illegal drugs for 10 weeks, had been working with the Arch Initiatives rehabilitation agency and his keyworker was “extremely positive about what he had achieved”.

Mr Edwards added that there were many negatives in such cases but that this was a “good news story”.

Of Bellis, he added: “He’s seen the light at the end of the tunnel and is addressing his issues”.

Prosecutor Justin Espie had earlier told the court that Bellis had entered the shop, concealed the shaver under his jumper and left.

He later attended a voluntary interview but the shaver was not recovered.  

Bellis pleaded guilty to theft and also breaching the conditional discharge.

Judge Jones noted that Bellis had made positive steps forward and that he had stayed out of trouble since the offence.

The judge fined Bellis £120 for the theft, £100 for breaching the conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £45 in compensation to Debenhams.

Mr Jones added: “I wish you well and I hope that you don’t have to come back before this court. I’m sure you don’t want to.”