A UNIVERSITY student who drove dangerously in Wrexham and committed numerous other offences across North Wales had suffered a 'breakdown,' a court heard.

David Keegan, of no fixed abode, appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court on Friday via video link from HMP Berwyn.

The 25-year-old had previously admitted 10 offences, all of which took place between the end of May and mid-June this year.

His offences included two burglaries with thefts at dwellings in Prince's Road in Bangor, theft of a motor vehicle and use of a vehicle without insurance in Bangor, theft from a shop and dangerous driving in Colwyn Bay, dangerous driving, failing to stop and using a motor vehicle without insurance in Llay and making off without paying for £50 of fuel in Llandudno.

The court heard the items stolen in the burglaries were speakers and an Xbox controller and the complainants were fellow Bangor University students who had been away when the offences were committed.

They returned and realised the items were missing, later discovering they had been exchanged at a local electronics store by a man matching the defendant's description.

The Ford Focus was stolen from Bangor Tyre Service after Keegan asked if he could test drive it.

In Colwyn Bay he took two iPhones and cables without paying.

The owner of the business was so desperate to get the stock back, the court heard, he clung onto Keegan's bonnet as he drove away, eventually falling off.

James Coutts, defending, told the court prior to moving to North Wales from the Republic of Ireland to pursue a degree in sport science at Bangor University, Keegan had been an inpatient at a psychiatric unit for almost two months after having difficulties with his mental health.

Once released as an outpatient, his proposed treatment having a one year waiting list, he decided to make a fresh start by applying for the sport science degree.

When he was successful, he moved over early in order to 'settle in' - but things become "too much for him."

Mr Coutts said: "He went off the rails, committing a number of criminal offences.

"Your honour described it as a breakdown - that's probably what it was.

"He very much wants to return to his family and he wants help.

"He knows he can't go on like this."

He told the court the defendant's family were prepared to take him home and arrange help and support for his difficulties.

The court heard Keegan had never been in trouble before, and had already secured one degree in business.

Judge Nicola Jones handed down consecutive sentences of six months and 12 months for the two offences of dangerous driving - but suspended them for 18 months.

Further concurrent sentences of two months were passed on each count of burglary, and no separate penalty was passed on the remaining offences.

Keegan was ordered to pay compensation of £700 in respect of the theft of the phones and £600 for the stolen car, as well as a £128 victim surcharge.

The Judge said: "I order no requirements because I know your parents will take you straight back to Ireland and you will receive the treatment you clearly need."