A MAN is to be sentenced after he admitted taking cannabis into a prison.

Kenneth Wright, of Luing Airdrie in Glasgow, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Wednesday morning via video link.

The 50-year-old admitted that on June 16, 2022, he conveyed cannabis into HMP Berwyn in Wrexham.

Judge Niclas Parry initially told the court he would not be assisted by a pre-sentence report and asked why the defendant had appeared for his hearing via the video link.

Callum Ross, defending, explained: "Mr Wright has had various medical difficulties; he was readmitted to hospital about two weeks ago with severe complications and an infection in his leg.

"He essentially tells me he remains in hospital.

"I was going to make an application for a pre-sentence report.

"I accept, putting it frankly as Mr Wright has said, he has a terrible record.

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"But his offending has slowed since 2017 onwards.

"He now has his own tenancy, which he's not had before.

"And he's not been in trouble since this despite being on bail for a considerable period of time.

The Leader:

"In my submission, the court would be assisted with exploring all sentencing options."

But he conceded his understanding of "the usual starting point" for such offences.

On reflection, Judge Parry agreed to order a report, but said it would be misleading of him to tell the defendant that custody didn't seem inevitable.

He did however confirm Wright would receive credit for his plea at the sentencing hearing, which will take place on June 7 - when he will be required to attend in person.