A plucky teen was praised by a judge after he caught a serial house burglar who attempted to break into a retired couple’s home.

Alec Jones, aged 42, who was living at a Bangor probation hostel at the time, had 50 burglary offences on his record, Mold crown court heard.

He was jailed for two years after admitting the day-time attempted burglary in Penchwintan Road, Bangor, and common assault last January.

Prosecuting barrister Oliver King said a 16-year-old boy had run after Jones and grabbed him. Jones swung a punch, which missed.

But an onlooker, unaware of what had happened, intervened, and Jones fled.

A police helicopter flew to the scene and Jones was discovered hiding behind a wheelie bin. But he didn’t answer questions.

However, Mr King said Jones was linked to the offence when the boy posted a description of the defendant on social media and a woman checked her dashcam footage which was passed to police.

Prosecution and defence counsel appeared via Skype because of Covid 19 restrictions and Jones was on a video link to Berwyn jail at Wrexham.

Judge Niclas Parry said the youngster should be commended.

Sentencing him to two years in custody, the judge said Jones was making good use of his time in prison.