Zimbabwean asylum seeker, 34, who was jailed for possession of a hammer after ... trends now
A Zimbabwean asylum seeker who was jailed for possession of a hammer and racked up more than 60 convictions for drugs, robbery and assault has been granted leave to stay in the UK.
Zimbabwean Ashley Simbarashe Maparura has amassed a 'dreadful catalogue' of 68 convictions across several counties, a court heard.
The 34-year-old thug arrived in the UK around 2017 and quickly became involved in serious crimes including drugs, robbery and assault.
But in spite of his appalling criminal record, he was granted leave to remain in the country two months ago.
This week, he appeared at Northampton Crown Court where he was jailed for possession of a weapon.
CCTV operators spotted two men behind a row of shops in Gainsborough Road, Corby, Northants., at 1.50am on February 16.
Despite his convictions, Maparura was granted leave to remain in the UK two months ago
Maparura was carrying a hammer and his accomplice Reece Cruickshank was holding a wrench.
The operators followed the men on their screens as they 'caused a commotion' before running away.
The pair were later arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery but the victim refused to co-operate so they were charged with possession of offensive weapons.
They admitted the charges and Maparura, of Northampton, was jailed for one year and four months.
Cruickshank will be sentenced later this month.
Sentencing Maparura, Judge Rupert Mayo said: 'The courts take very seriously any public display of weapons when they’re brandished or used to present a threat to people who are out and about.
'You have a dreadful record for using weapons.
'You have been an asylum seeker since your arrival from Zimbabwe and I am glad that you have now been allowed to remain in this country but during that time you have amassed a huge amount of antecedents and have been gripped by drugs.
'This is a dreadful catalogue of serious
