Ex-Soldier Jailed for Rhyl Burglaries and Shop Thefts

A former soldier has been jailed after being caught burgling homes and stealing from shops across Rhyl. Christopher Jones, aged 36, of East Parade, Rhyl, has been sentenced to two years in prison, with an additional ten weeks from a previously suspended sentence. 🧑‍⚖️

Mold Crown Court heard how Jones admitted to two house burglaries and seven shoplifting offences. In one incident, resident Wayne Williams was awakened at 3:40am by noises in his Gillian Drive bungalow, only to discover his kitchen door open and an electric chainsaw worth £70 stolen. Mr Williams was “really shocked” by the break-in.

In another incident, Jones betrayed a friend’s trust by returning to steal a PlayStation and games after leaving the back door unlocked during a visit. The victim, Michael Jones, stated he felt “betrayed by a friend.”

The court also heard details of Jones’ shoplifting spree targeting Aldi, The Range, OneBelow and Sainsbury’s. In one brazen theft, he stole seven bags of Lego worth £550 from Sainsbury’s before meeting an accomplice who had stolen approximately £100 worth of meat.

Defence barrister Thomas McLoughlin told the court that Jones had “served his country with distinction” but turned to drugs following an accident. While at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham, Jones has reportedly taken pride in ground works and hopes to make a fresh start once free from the “evil” of drugs.

His Honour Judge Niclas Parry noted that despite being given a chance by a previous court, Jones had responded by committing two burglaries. The judge acknowledged that the “overstretched prison system is begging courts not to send people straight into custody” but felt he had no choice in this case. 👮