A FATHER and son who committed a burglary together at Conwy Lodge Park have been spared jail, but were banned from entering camping and caravan sites.

James Mayhew, 45, of Cae Derwen, Llanfair Talhaiarn, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspended for a year-and-a-half, at Caernarfon Crown Court today (February 9).

His son, Jessie Mayhew, 27, of Mostyn Road, Colwyn Bay, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for the same time period.

Both had previously admitted charges of burglary (dwelling) with intent to steal.

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Prosecuting, Laura Knightly told the court that, on the evening of December 19, 2022, both men had smashed a patio door to gain access to a static caravan at the park.

The caravan’s owner, who had stayed there the previous weekend, had installed a video alarm following a previous burglary, and this was activated when both men entered.

Officers and a police helicopter attended, and the two men were arrested after being found hiding in bushes.

A total of £500 of damage was said to have been caused to the caravan.

Both men, who left the scene after noticing the video surveillance, gave no comment during their police interviews.

Alcohol and cannabis was said to have been a contributory factor to the burglary.

James Mayhew had 25 previous convictions for 44 offences, including a number of non-dwelling burglaries, while Jessie Mayhew had 12 for 23, including two for dwelling burglaries, making him a “third-strike burglar”.

In mitigation for the defendants, the court heard that both have subsequently been diagnosed with mental disorders and have underwent rehabilitation.

Jessie Mayhew, who is medicated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, was said to have “turned his life totally around”, having found two jobs and supporting others.

Sentencing, Judge Nicola Saffman told them: “You had no other reason to go on that site than to steal or break into a property.”

James Mayhew was ordered to complete 35 “thinking skills” sessions, with Judge Saffman adding: “At the age of 45, really, you shouldn’t need this, but it’s clear that you do”.

He will also complete 20 days’ rehabilitation activity requirements, and is not to enter any caravan or camping sites for 18 months.

Jessie Mayhew will complete 15 days’ rehabilitation activity requirements, a 120-day period of monitored alcohol abstinence, and a two-year banning order for camping or caravan sites.

Judge Saffman told Jessie Mayhew: “I have heard lots of good about you. It’s clear now that you are capable of rehabilitation.”

James and Jessie Mayhew will pay £100 and £400 in compensation respectively, and a £187 statutory surcharge each.