A MAN from Abergele who drunkenly caused thousands of pounds' worth of criminal damage at a B&Q store on Christmas Day has been spared jail.

Marcin Andryjanczyk, 22, of Marine Road, was handed a 12-month community order at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court today (September 6).

He had previously admitted charges of criminal damage to property and of burglary other than dwelling.

The court heard that, on December 25, 2022, Andryjanczyk destroyed tills, drills and other electronic equipment at B&Q on Axletree Way, Wednesbury, West Midlands.

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Andryjanczyk caused more than £5,000 of criminal damage, and also stole items worth a cumulative value of £4,098.54 from the store.

A statement from B&Q said that the incident “caused a knock-on effect” on business at the store.

Defending Andryjanczyk, Wajid Manzoor said that this incident followed an argument between the defendant and his father.

He was under the influence of alcohol at the time, but said he does not have an alcohol issue, and had only consumed so much of it because it was Christmas Day.

Mr Manzoor said his client had “put his hands up at the earliest opportunity” and was “deeply remorseful”.

Andryjanczyk does not have contact with his father anymore, Mr Manzoor said, and has been living in Abergele for more than a year now.

He was only back in the Midlands at the time to see his family for Christmas.

Mr Manzoor invited the court to impose a custodial discharge on Andryjanczyk, who was also said to be in receipt of Universal Credit.

The terms of Andryjanczyk’s community order will see him complete 25 days’ rehabilitation activity requirements, and 180 hours’ unpaid work.

He will pay £850 in compensation, at a rate of £20 per month, which will be deducted from the benefits he receives.

“We thought long and hard about sending you to prison,” magistrates told Andryjanczyk.