Homeless man who went on St David's day rampage in Wrexham locked up for 'own safety'

A homeless man went on an early morning rampage in Wrexham town centre on St David's Day .

The court heard how Paul James Faulks, 34 and staying at Ty Nos night shelter, walked around the streets kicking the front windows of shops of businesses at around 5am on Friday.

Four of the incidents were captured on CCTV.

Faulks appeared from custody wearing a 'Team Santa' t-shirt at a special weekend sitting of North East Wales Magistrates' Court in Mold on Saturday.

He pleaded guilty to 14 charges of criminal damage which all occurred in the early morning of Friday, March 1 in Queen Street, Duke Street and Hope Street. The defendant also admitted breaching a previous criminal behaviour order.

Helen Hall, prosecuting, said the defendant was also on bail for an earlier charge of criminal damage and was awaiting sentence. She said he had previous convictions for damage too.

The court heard how on Friday morning, at around 5am, he kicked windows at The Talbot public house, Gerrards Bakery, The Queen's Square Salon, Just Cuts, Superdrug, Bon Marche, The Santander Bank, That's Entertainment, Beresford Adams, Vision Express, The Enterprise Hub, Hayes Travel and The Chinese Buffet.

Alun Williams, defending, said his client's behaviour amounted to some sort of "cry for help."

A pre-sentence report was being prepared which needed psychiatric input, he said. He did not apply for bail and his client was remanded in custody pending sentence.

Magistrates said there was a risk of re-offending and he was also being remanded in custody for his own safety.

The case was adjourned for sentencing on March 15 to tie up with the previous case of criminal damage.