Serial Offender Jailed for Burgling Elderly Woman’s Farm

A criminal with 52 convictions for 149 offences has been jailed for two years after burgling a farm run by an elderly woman.

Shaun Lloyd, 39, of East Parade, Rhyl, stole a quad bike from a farm in the Rhuddlan area managed by a 74-year-old woman.

The victim was awoken by her Collie dog barking between midnight and 1am on 26th April. She discovered the front gate was open with a damaged lock on the floor, which “caused her to feel scared”, Mold Crown Court heard.

Her quad bike, which she relied on to get about the farm, was missing. It took three weeks for the insurance to be settled and get a replacement, causing major hardship.

In a victim statement read to the court, she said: “This incident has had a profound affect on me. It has made me very jittery and on edge in my own home where I should feel safe.”

CCTV showed the quad bike being driven away with another vehicle along the Coast Road to Greenfield. Mobile phone data linked Lloyd to the burglary, and his phone contained a photo of the quad bike with messages suggesting a debt would be paid by stealing it. Messages discussed the location and riding a quad bike, suggesting it was stolen to order.

Lloyd initially denied involvement before admitting burglary other than dwelling.

The court heard he had 52 convictions for 149 offences, including theft, sexual offences, public disorder, burglary, offences against police and courts, shoplifting, vehicle offences and threatening behaviour. He had repeatedly offended while on bail.

Sentencing Lloyd to two years in prison, Judge Simon Mills said he had a “terrible record of offending” and the latest offence, which was planned, could only be punished properly with a custodial sentence. It was “selfish” and “greed”, the judge said.

Lloyd will serve 40% of his sentence, with the rest on licence. He must also pay a court surcharge.