A man with a long list of convictions was given yet another chance to mend his ways.

David Archer, aged 63, of Belmont Grove, Rhyl, has reached offence 399 after admitting two thefts on April 2 and April 5 at Coop and Asda stores at Old Colwyn and Llandudno.

Unemployed Archer also pleaded guilty to returning on April 7 to the Asda store in a bid to steal five bottles of spirits.

He blamed his behaviour on getting in a financial mess while waiting for benefit cash. Defence solicitor Roger Thomas said Archer had turned up for appointments with the probation service while out of prison since January.

District judge Gwyn Jones at Llandudno court imposed a 30 weeks jail term, suspended for a year. He said it was Archer’s 200th court appearance.

Archer was banned from Coop and Asda stores in England and Wales and must pay £168 compensation for lamb and alcohol and £200 costs. “You behave,” the judge urged him.