Crime spree man, 19, jailed for theft of jeans and assault in Shrewsbury

Dean Patrick Flynn was told by magistrates that his criminal record since he arrived from Ireland had "been worse than appalling".

The court heard that his family in Ireland had subsequently disowned him since he began offending in the UK. "It's unbelievable that you can do so many things crossing the custody threshold in such a short period of time," said the chairman of the bench Peter Walters.

Flynn, 19, who is already serving a prison sentence, appeared by video link in Telford Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to one charge of theft and one charge of assault by beating.

Abigail Hall, prosecuting, said Flynn had been staying with friends in Shrewsbury on July 10 and was seen changing out of his grey tracksuit bottoms and putting on his friend's £70 Jack & Jones black jeans before leaving the house.

Followed

One of the friends followed him into town and confronted him on the Dana steps, at which point Flynn grabbed her by the hands and pulled her so she fell over and then punched her on the right hand side of her face, Mrs Hall said.

The court was told that Flynn, of Stapleton Road, Meole Brace, Shrewsbury, handed himself over to police officers shortly after the incident, telling them he was wanted on a warrant.

Mrs Hall said that Flynn had initially denied the theft, saying he had been lent the jeans, and denied the assault, even when confronted with pictures of the victim's bruised face.

The court was told Flynn had seven convictions for 16 offences. As well as sending him to prison for an extra 10 weeks for stealing the trousers, magistrates gave Flynn 28 days in custody for the assault, to run concurrently.

Jamie Wade, for Flynn, said that as the defendant was already in custody on others matters he had taken a "pragmatic approach" and wanted to "tidy up matters".

Following his first conviction, Flynn's family had disowned him, leaving him in the country without any support, said Mr Wade.

"He was released with no money, no property and no documents to obtain benefits," said Mr Wade, adding his client was arrested shortly after his release while committing petty thefts to survive. "As soon as he's released from prison again he's going to have no money," he said.

Flynn would need to track down a friend upon his next release, as he did not have the funds or documentation to return to Ireland, he added.