A “moving” letter from the wife of a house burglar has saved him from jail.

Caernarfon crown court heard that the family of 48-year-old Ian Nash of Glandwr Crescent, Kinmel Bay has been beset by health and money problems.

Judge David Hale told Nash: “If it weren’t for the letter from your wife you would be going to prison.”

Instead Nash was given a 22 months jail sentence, suspended for two years, with a 30-day programme requirement with the probation service and £140 costs.

He pleaded guilty to burgling a house in Clwyd Avenue, Prestatyn on December 1 when the occupants, Jean and Nigel Jones, were at a Christmas market in Manchester.

Ryan Rothwell, prosecuting, said an untidy search of the house dad been made and jewellery worth £1,075 stolen, some of sentimental value.

Blood marks on the sliding doors of a wardrobe and shoe prints led to Nash being identified.

Mr Rothwell read an impact statement in which Mrs Jones described the insecurity which was now felt. None of the jewellery had been returned and a £500 insurance excess had to be paid

Mr Rothwell said Nash had 27 previous convictions mostly for dishonesty.

Defence barrister Simon Killeen said Nash had a heart problem. The last burglary had been four years ago and he had responded well to probation supervision.

In situations of stress “people make foolish decisions” declared Mr Killeen, and the burglary had been in the hope that problems would be solved.

He deserved immediate custody but the barrister urged an alternative because of personal circumstances.

Judge Hale announced: “I will suspend the sentence and I do it only because of the letter from his wife because of the health difficulties she referred to, and the children. That’s the only reason - not for him. It’s his last chance.”

The judge told Nash, a builder, that normally he would be sentenced to 22 months immediate custody but it was being suspended because of severe financial pressures and his wife’s health and enormous future difficulties.

Warning Nash that if he burgled again he would face a three year minimum sentence Judge Hale told him :” This is really your last chance. So whatever the pressures are, crime is not the answer.”

Nash’s wife said as the couple left court: ”Thank you, your honour.”