A judge has told a Powys man that he faces a long prison sentence after being convicted of stealing from a garden centre and for driving offences.

Dean Ludlow, 50, appeared at Mold Crown Court via videolink from HMP Berwyn after pleading guilty to four offences that happened on April 5 and 6 this year.

They included stealing alcohol and items from The Old Railway Line Nursery, Three Cocks, south Powys worth more than £600 over two days. He is also convicted of driving a Seat Ibiza on the A483 in Three Cocks without third party insurance and while disqualified.

The Knighton man's sentencing at Mold Crown Court was adjourned for a further six weeks after the judge urged him to find a solicitor to represent him.

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His Honour Judge Niclas Parry told Ludlow: "Because you are facing a long custodial sentence, there’s no doubt about that, what I’m going to do is I’m going to give you four weeks to obtain a solicitor.

"Next time, and it’s likely to be me, if you haven’t got a solicitor then you would have had your chance and we will proceed to sentence you.

"You will get legal aid because you are in custody, you’ve got no income and because you are facing such a long sentence. It’s up to you now. Get in touch with a solicitor."

HH Judge Parry added: "When we meet again, Mr Ludlow, I will know that I have given you this chance so make sure you take it."

Ludlow. of Church Street, Knighton, thanked the judge as he was escorted by a prison officer to his cell at HMP Berwyn.

The next hearing is expected to take place on June 30 at Mold Crown Court.