A MAN was spared jail after stealing from a family home while under the influence of drink and drugs.

Andrew Evans, 26, of Pan-Y-Dre in Wrexham, admitted burglary at Mold Crown Court and handed an eight month sentence suspended by 18 months.

Prosecuting, James Coutts, told the courtroom that, on February 22, Evans was on a night out in Wrexham town centre when he approached a local woman he had known for around eight years.

Her statement recalling the night says that Evans was flirting with her and repeatedly asked if he could go back to her house with her – despite her partner and young son being at home.

She declined on every occasion and made her way home in the early hours of the morning for around 4am, the court heard.

Her partner was awake at the time and getting ready to head out for work when the pair heard a noise from another part of the house. Upon investigating, the defendant was spotted at the top of the stairs and near the bedroom door.

When confronted, the defendant claimed that the front door was left open and ran off.

Mr Coutts goes on to say that the couple then heard another noise downstairs which they went to investigate. They found the door was left open and that a pouch of tobacco and two Pandora rings to the value of just under £200 were missing.

This was reported to North Wales Police and, upon searching Evans’ home address, the rings were recovered in a compartment under the floorboards. He was subsequently arrested.

The victim has since said she does not want the rings back due to the memories associated with the incident.

Defending, Alun Williams, said that in police interviews Evans had no recollection of the night in question due to the consumption of alcohol.

He also stressed that Evans made a guilty plea at the earliest possible point and had no previous convictions.

Judge Niclas Parry said Evans was extremely lucky not be receiving a sentence that included trespass with intent to commit a sexual assault.