Mark Davies, a pagan who embarked on a pilgrimage to Glastonbury, ended up engaging in criminal activities on his journey back to Wales. After spending five days walking from Chepstow to Glastonbury for last year’s winter solstice, Davies committed a series of offenses, including stealing three cars and harassing his mother by breaching a restraining order.
While in Glastonbury, Davies joined in the pagan celebrations of the winter solstice, witnessing the rebirth of the sun for the new year. However, during the Christmas period that followed, he resorted to theft and burglary, stealing a Ford Mondeo in Glastonbury and later a Range Rover and VW Golf in Monmouthshire.
The court heard that Davies acquired two of the car keys by breaking into a home in Devauden, near Chepstow, while the owners were away on holiday. In addition to the keys, he also stole a chainsaw worth £300. Furthermore, he stole three parcels valued at £26 from a man’s letterbox before returning the stolen vehicles to their owners.
READ MORE: Frome Nightspot Granted Licence Despite Local Objections
READ MORE: Councillor’s MoD Role Raises Questions About Conflict of Interest
In sentencing, Recorder Andrew Hammond highlighted Davies' complete disregard for the property rights of others and the distress he caused his mother. Despite recognizing Davies' low state of mind and lack of adequate support following his release from prison, he imposed a 30-month prison term and ordered Davies to compensate the owner of the stolen parcels.