Look what Wrexham pub-goers are doing to support landlord who lost £4k in break-in

A pub landlord who had thousands of pounds snatched from his safe has hailed his generous customers for their fundraising support.

Burglars escaped with £4,400 during the break in at The Turf pub on Mold Road, Wrexham , run by Wayne Jones, on Thursday, May 4.

Today Jason Lee Humphreys, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison by Wrexham Magistrates.

The 38-year-old, who has been convicted 50 times for 108 offences, pleaded guilty to the burglary after CCTV from Wrexham Football Club helped police catch him.

When caught, he was also found to be carrying a quantity of amphetamine – a class B drug – which he also pleaded guilty to.

Magistrates sentenced Humphreys, who appeared by video link, to two weeks prison for that offence to run concurrently with the burglary conviction.

Prosecuting Justin Espee said when Humphreys was caught only £400 was recovered and £4,000 is outstanding.

Now kind kind-hearted punters are digging in deep to support the landlord who is the “first to fund raise for everything”.

His Aunt Gaynor Matthews has launched a Just Giving page posting: “When I heard my nephew’s pub had been broken into and monies stolen it sickened me to the core.

“He has been saving for a very long time for his wedding in July and is always fundraising and has the best locals ever.

“We as his family want to do something, as I’m sure his locals, friends, colleagues will too. So come on people dig deep for one of the nicest people we all know!”

Landlord Mr Jones, who discovered the theft the following morning, said: “My Aunty Gaynor Matthews, within hours of it happening had set up a Just Giving page and at first to be honest I wasn’t completely sure about because I don’t think it should be down to people to bail me out.

“But then I have been reassured by friends and family that it’s only people that want to help that are helping and several people have said that I would have been the first to help them.”

So far the Just Giving page has attracted just over £800 and there are plans for more fundraising efforts to help out the poplar local, located next to Wrexham’s Racecourse ground.

Appropriately regulars hope to hold a football match on the hallowed Racecourse turf to help raise more funds for Mr Jones.

During today’s hearing magistrates were told how burglar Humphreys was in poor health, was homeless and had a long-standing drug issue.

Defending Justine McVitie also said Humphreys was not the only one to commit the burglary and he would not be able to lay back £4,000.

Wrexham Magistrates chairman Terry Eastham ordered Humphreys to pay £2,000 compensation. No court costs were awarded.