Man jailed after ‘mini crimewave’ string of break-ins in village
PLAN TO RETURN TO ENGLAND ‘WILL BE A RELIEF TO PENYGROES’ – JUDGE
AMAN responsible for a “mini crimewave” in a Gwynedd village has been locked up.
Liam Rain admitted breaking into a number of sheds and garages in Penygroes near Caernarfon during the evening of August 8 when he appeared before a judge at Caernarfon Crown Court.
The 20-year-old (pictured), of Hollins Road, Oldham, was said to have moved to Penygroes to
make a fresh start after getting into trouble with police in Greater Manchester.
When told by defence counsel Owen Edwards that Rain planned to return to Oldham after his release from prison, Judge Peter Heywood remarked: “That will be a relief to the residents of Penygroes.”
The court heard he had stolen a mountain bike, a garden strimmer, some car keys and two chainsaws during the evening, which the judge described as a “mini crimewave”.
In all, Rain faced eight charges of burglary, one of attempted burglary and one charge of theft.
Jailing him for 12 months in a young offenders institution, the judge added: “You made a thorough nuisance of yourself.”
Richard Edwards, prosecuting, said Rain had been seen walking away from a house in the village carrying a strimmer.
“The occupant went after him and told him to return the item, which he did,” said Mr Edwards.
“He continued by breaking into garages and sheds and stealing other items.
“In one garage, he had moved a mobility scooter.”
Rain was identified from descriptions from residents and was seen on CCTV in a local shop buying cans of alcohol.
Most of the items stolen had been returned to their owners, the court heard.
Defence counsel Owen Edwards said Rain realised a custodial sentence was likely.
“He knows he has no real explanation for what he did that evening,” he said.