A NEWPORT man has been jailed for 21 months after breaking into a mobile phone shop and causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Kevin Bray, 36, broke into the O2 shop on Commercial Street in Newport on Wednesday, December 30, 2020.

Bray pleaded guilty to burglary other than a dwelling with intent to steal, and was sentenced at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Thursday, October 28.

Gwent Police's PC Theo Mills said; "This offence was committed just as businesses were starting to recover from the economic impact of the Covid pandemic.

"Mr Bray showed a blatant disregard for other people’s property and needlessly caused nearly £15,000 of damage and loss to a well-established shop.

"We hope that this sentence shows that these types of offences will not be tolerated."