Mid Wales man burgled shops after release from prison

Paul McGarry, 46, committed a “spree” of burglaries in Market Drayton and Shrewsbury in January, stealing more than £3,000 in cash.

Shrewsbury Crown Court heard on Thursday, March 12, that the offences, which took place in the early hours of January 19 and 23, were committed just weeks after McGarry had been released from prison, having been jailed for nearly five years in 2021 for robbery.

Despite this, and a “lifetime” spent committing crimes, Recorder Julian Taylor said McGarry had taken steps recently to turn his life around; and that he would be spared an immediate return to custody.

McGarry, who has been on remand at HMP Hewell since his arrest, but has given a new address of High Street, Aberystwyth, previously pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary and three counts of attempted burglary.

Prosecutor Rosemary Proctor said McGarry broke into the Iron & Fire café in Shrewsbury in the early hours of January 19.

Shrewsbury Crown Court heard that the offences were committed just weeks after McGarry had been released from prison, for robbery. (Image: Google Street View)

“The defendant kicked out the bottom panel and crawled through,” said Ms Proctor.

“He prised open the till, stole cash and cash from a charity and tip jar, then left. He took £1,430 in the till, as well as £100 and £150 from the jars.

“He returned an hour later, rummaged around shelves and cupboards, using a lighter, and he was captured on CCTV.”

McGarry then targeted several businesses in Market Drayton on January 23.

Ms Proctor added: “At 2.15am he attempted to burgle Dalelands Stores. CCTV captured him using an implement to try and break a box controlling the shutter.

“He broke the padlock and cut wires but was scared off by man who lived nearby.

“Then, on Cheshire Street, CCTV showed him trying to break into the Sue Ryder charity shop.

“When that failed he crossed the road to Wilkinson Walk and attempted to burgle the Running with Scissors salon.

“He smashed a window and climbed inside, but didn’t steal anything.

“At Sherwood Wholefoods, he removed windows and stole £1,500 that was stored in the back.

“He then attempted to burgle Foxy Dog Groomers, but failed to enter.”

McGarry was arrested on January 28 after being identified by officers from the CCTV.

McGarry has multiple convictions for 79 offences; his first coming 30 years ago, in 1996.

Danny Smith, defending him, said: “He acknowledges the disruption and how seriously communities were affected.

“He was failed in the 90s, when people in massive poverty were vulnerable.

“He was let down by his parents, then he was stealing food and washing off washing lines simply to keep warm and to eat.

“He was then exploited by drug dealers and, from there, it’s been a 25-year history of going in and out of prison.

“He has acknowledged the chaos and trauma he caused. He is truly sorry and has shown a real zest for change.”

Recorder Taylor told McGarry: “You have a shocking record; a lifetime of committing crimes.

“It seems you weren’t always given the chances you could have, although there’s no excuse.

“You had not long been released from prison when you embarked on this spree of burglaries.

“They were all small businesses and you stole a lot of money and caused a lot of damage.

“They might well feel aggrieved I’m not giving you a longer or immediate jail sentence.”

He jailed McGarry for 18 months, but suspended the sentence for two years.

He added: “You’ve made some effort I’m quite impressed with, and I want to encourage you to make steps to break this cycle.

“I’m going out on a limb and giving you a chance. Others may think I’m being too lenient.

“It’s now up to you. If you mess up, I will be waiting for you. I am reserving this case to myself and if you’re foolish enough to offend again and we meet again, you’ll be serving consecutive sentences.

“You must put your old life behind you.”

In addition, McGarry must complete 10 rehabilitation activity days, as well as 26 sessions of an accredited programme. He also has to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.