Life imprisonment for man who killed woman in her own home

A man who broke into a property in Rhyl and killed a 69-year-old woman has been sentenced to life imprisonment at Caernarfon Crown Court.

Dean Mears, 34, broke into the house on Cefndy Road in Rhyl late at night on 24 October 2024.

After unsuccessfully trying to get in through the door, Mears smashed the front window and climbed through it. He left a few minutes later having killed Catherine Flynn, who lived there.

At his trial, Mears admitted killing Catherine Flynn but claimed diminished responsibility. The jury heard evidence that Mears had ketamine, cannabis and cocaine in his system, and had inflicted severe blunt force injuries to Catherine’s head, face and neck which proved fatal.

The medical evidence presented by the Crown Prosecution Service described the injuries as high impact trauma which was consistent with repeated forceful stamps.

The jury also heard that Mears had attempted to dispose of clothing, in multiple locations, but police recovered the items.

Having heard all the evidence in the case, including psychiatric evidence, the jury convicted Mears of murder.

Deanne Mcginty of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Dean Mears inflicted a brutal attack on Catherine Flynn in her own home, a place where she should have been safe.

“He then tried to cover his tracks by attempting to dispose of evidence.

“The jury rejected his claim of diminished responsibility after hearing all the evidence presented by the Crown Prosecution Service.

“Mears’ actions resulted in a tragic loss of life, and that loss is deeply felt by the family and friends of Catherine.

“Our thoughts will remain with them.”

Mears was sentenced on 20 June 2025 to life imprisonment and was ordered to serve a minimum of 27 years and 128 days.