RHYL MURDERER DEAN MEARS JAILED FOR LIFE AFTER BRUTAL ATTACK ON GRANDMOTHER
Dean Mears, aged 34 and from Kinmel Bay in Conwy, was found guilty of the brutal murder of 69-year-old Catherine Flynn from Rhyl, Denbighshire.The crime occurred in October 2024 when Mears broke into her residence, dragging her from her bed and inflicting severe injuries, including stamping on her face and neck, which led to her death the following day.
Mrs Flynn sustained severe facial trauma, multiple fractures, and injuries similar to those seen in high-speed collisions.
During the trial, evidence revealed that Mears had used ketamine and cannabis before the assault and that he had no prior contact with the victim.
Surveillance footage from a ring doorbell captured Mears shouting at Mrs Flynn and her suffering up to 15 blows during the attack.
Judge Rhys Rowlands described the assault as “savage, quite ferocious and merciless,” calling the footage “horrific.” After a nine-day trial, Mears was convicted of murder; it was established that he entered her property through a broken window intending to steal something, which served as the motive.
Mears admitted to the attack but claimed to have no memory of it.
The court concluded the murder was committed “for gain.” He received a life sentence with a minimum term of 27 years and 128 days.
Mrs Flynn’s daughter, Natasha Flynn-Farrell, publicly condemned Mears, calling him a “coward” and a “monster,” and expressed profound grief over her mother’s death.
She shared that her life has been “shattered” by the incident and that she is overwhelmed daily by the heartbreaking footage, suffering from trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Natasha also expressed hope that her daughter’s social media campaign #JusticeforQueenie would raise awareness about violence towards women and girls.
The case has deeply impacted the local community, with Mrs Flynn’s family seeking justice and closure.
