A recent burglary in Cardiff left a Burger King restaurant with over £18,000 worth of damage after a man, Jonathan Davies, went on a frenzied rampage. The court heard that Davies, 34, with almost 80 prior offences including numerous thefts, broke into the fast food outlet on Newport Road. He caused extensive damage by pouring cola into electrical equipment, smashing tills, and conducting a thorough search for items to steal. Davies was described by a judge as “by profession, a thief,” leading to a 20-month prison sentence for his actions, which also included shoplifting goods worth over £1,000 from a Boots store three days later.
Prosecutors detailed how Davies’s crime spree involved trashing the Burger King outlet, causing significant damage, and then brazenly stealing from Boots shortly thereafter. His total cost of damages exceeded £18,000, and despite attempts to elude capture, Davies eventually turned himself in to the police. Although he pleaded guilty to non-dwelling burglary and theft charges, his history of repeated offences and shoplifting sprees led to a significant prison sentence.
In court, Davies’s defence lawyer explained that while struggling with mental health issues and a drug addiction, he was seeking help through a recovery programme in prison. The judge, Paul Hobson, admonished Davies for his actions, highlighting the gratuitous damage caused to the Burger King restaurant and the subsequent theft at Boots. The judge warned Davies that continued criminal behaviour would result in longer sentences, urging him to reconsider his choices and take responsibility for his actions.
Despite receiving a 20-month prison sentence with the possibility of release on licence after serving half the term, Davies was reminded of the consequences of his criminal activities. The judge expressed hope that Davies would reflect on his decisions and make positive changes to break the cycle of offending. As the community grapples with the aftermath of these crimes, it serves as a stark reminder of the impact of burglary and theft on businesses and individuals in Cardiff.