**Ring Doorbell Captures Disturbing Break-in Moments Before Fatal Attack on Rhyl Grandmother**
A harrowing incident in Rhyl has sent shockwaves through the community after home security footage from a Ring doorbell captured the violent home invasion that led to the tragic death of beloved grandmother Catherine “Cathy” Flynn. Just moments after the break-in, the 69-year-old was left fatally injured in her own bedroom, a crime that has left her loved ones and neighbours devastated.
Dean Mears, 34, forced entry into Mrs Flynn’s home on Cefndy Road on the evening of 24 October last year. According to evidence shared by North Wales Police, the Ring doorbell filmed Mears as he forcefully entered her property. Startlingly, the footage showed him emerging from the house a mere 90 seconds later, having committed a savage and fatal assault.
The attack itself, which left every bone in Mrs Flynn’s face broken, was described in court as brutal in the extreme. Mrs Flynn lived alone and was attacked in her bedroom, dragged from her bed during the assault. Tragically, she later succumbed to her injuries in hospital, having suffered severe facial trauma and multiple fractures. The nature of the attack shocked both local residents and law enforcement, with police describing Mears’ actions as “abhorrent”.
During the trial, which concluded at Mold Crown Court, the jury was shown damning footage and heard the chilling audio captured by the doorbell device. At one point, the recording revealed Mears’ voice demanding, “Where are the keys?” and the ominous sound of approximately 15 heavy thuds. Family members, including Mrs Flynn’s daughter, witnessed the break-in remotely, having received a live notification from the camera, but were powerless to intervene.
Body-worn camera footage from officers at the scene was also released, showing the moment Mears was arrested. Initial charges referenced suspicion of attempted murder, which was swiftly elevated to murder after Mrs Flynn passed away in hospital. In his police interview, Mears responded “no comment” when asked about his motivation and intent, and he has remained silent on the matter since.
Despite pleading guilty to manslaughter, Mears denied the charge of murder. However, the jury found him guilty earlier this week. The presiding judge, His Honour Rhys Rowlands, expressed his horror at the “senseless” nature of the violence, adding that the attack resulted in “catastrophic injuries”. Judge Rowlands indicated that Mears, who was under the influence of drugs at the time, appeared to have targeted Mrs Flynn’s home by mistake.
Sentencing for Dean Mears is expected to take place on 20 June, when the minimum prison term before he can apply for parole will be determined. In the meantime, Mears remains remanded in custody, facing a mandatory life sentence for his actions.
North Wales Police paid tribute to the resilience of Mrs Flynn’s family, noting their “remarkable composure” throughout the trial. In a public statement, police both condemned Mears’ conduct and reiterated their support for the grieving relatives. The case has reignited concerns in Wales about vulnerable individuals living alone and the critical role of home security technology—not only as a deterrent but as crucial evidence in bringing violent offenders to justice.
As the community of Rhyl mourns the loss of a cherished grandmother, those affected hope that justice, when finally served, can bring some measure of solace to Mrs Flynn’s loved ones, who have endured a tragedy that no family should face.