Burglar jailed for school raid and homeowner attack

A serial burglar who left a trail of destruction at a Wrexham school before attacking a homeowner who caught him red-handed has been locked up for more than two years.

Stephen Lee Jones, 32, also known as ‘Skell’, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison at Mold Crown Court on 29 January after admitting two counts of burglary, theft from a car and assault.

The court heard how Jones broke into St Christopher’s School in Wrexham on 10 December last year, where he tore through cupboards, smashed multiple desks and made off with an iPad. Blood stains left scattered around the room provided the crucial evidence linking him to the crime.

Earlier that same morning, he had stolen items worth almost £500 from a car parked on a local driveway.

Just over two weeks later on 27 December, Jones targeted a home in Penycae. He broke into the property but was confronted by the homeowners, who challenged him and began filming the intrusion. Jones then attacked one of them before fleeing the scene.

Police arrived shortly after but Jones had already escaped. However, officers tracked him down a short time later and he was arrested and remanded into custody.

Area Inspector Stefan Lederle said: “We recognise how invasive and traumatic it is to be a victim of burglary. Jones’ actions caused considerable distress to the victims, and I’m pleased he has now been brought to justice.

“I want to reassure the public that we are committed to pursuing offenders and protecting our communities from harm.

“Tackling burglary remains a priority for the force, and we continue to work closely with partners, local communities, and victims to prevent offending, support those affected, and deliver justice.”