Ludlow shops burglar, 39, is jailed for two years

Shane Wear, 39, was on early prison release for a previous crime when he struck at Aragon Cafe and Broad Bean, both in Ludlow town centre, overnight on May 29. He was recalled to prison until at least January next year following his latest arrest.

Miss Sati Ruck, prosecuting at Shrewsbury Crown Court, said Wear, of Sandford Road, Ludlow, and his accomplice forced open a door at the cafe premises, in Church Street, and stole £440 and at least two bottles of alcohol some time after 4.15pm.

She said the following morning staff at vegan delicatessen shop Broad Bean, in Broad Street, arrived at work at 7.45am to discover that a pane of glass had been smashed, and £200 cash was missing along with collection tins for the Midlands Air Ambulance and Guide Dogs and a cider drinks cabinet that was found dumped in the street near the scene of the crime.

Miss Ruck told the court: “Witnesses saw the suspects in the vicinity of Broad Bean which sells natural products. The victims both describe suffering break-ins previously.

"The defendant has a long history of convictions for burglaries, five for dwellings and 12 for commercial premises. Last year he was jailed for 21 months and was sentenced on August 19 for a commercial burglary,”

She added that the incidents fell into the highest category for the type of offence due to the greater harm caused to the businesses, that the offences took place at night and that Wear committed the crimes while on licence from prison after being released.

Miss Jane Sarginson, mitigating, said her client had written a letter to Judge Jonathan Gosling about his situation.

“His main difficulty is alcohol and he really cannot recall committing these offences.

"He is currently on a high does of methadone and that combined with the drinking and anti-depressants is now taking its toll on his health and he has stomach problems as a result,” Miss Sarginson said.

But sentencing him Judge Gosling said: “You have got to take control of your life. Your are 39. I am not in a position to allow you any rehabilitation. You don’t have any memory of what you did, but you had your wits about yo to go along with a companion and covered up yourselves to make identification really difficult.”

He jailed Wear for two years on each count of burglary to run concurrently. He must serve half before being released from prison.

Wear admitted two counts of burglary.