Burglar avoids a jail term for crimes
Saturday 4th April 2009, 11:35AM BST.
A 35-year-old man who committed a string of burglaries in Shrewsbury – including breaking into the Bear Steps Gallery and a community church – has avoided prison.
Sion McConnell, of no fixed abode but formerly of Hill Crescent, Belle Vue, admitted five offences of burglary and one of possession of class A drugs.
At Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday, he also asked for six other offences to be taken into account.
Recorder David Heaton said he was going to take an “exceptional” course and sentenced him to a 12-month suspended sentence for two years, a drug rehabilitation requirement for 18 months, an 18-month supervision requirement and 100 hours of unpaid work.
Mr Robert Edwards, prosecuting, said the spate of burglaries began on August 22 and ended on December 18. He said the first was at the Bear Steps Gallery, where £20 cash was stolen.
Mr Edwards said he was interviewed on October 13 and then given police bail.
On November 17, McConnell broke into the Flaming Great in Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury and stole £100, as well as a safe containing £1,500.
Mr Edwards said the same restaurant was then broken into on November 22. The court heard the next offence was committed on November 23 at the Flipping Fish, with others committed on December 3 and 18.
Mrs Joanne Griffiths, for McConnell, said her client had done well working in prison kitchens and was trying to turn his life around.
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