Wise-cracking Walsall burglar silenced by judge for singing Madness hit It Must Be Love after admitting axe crime

Shaun Melia was in a cheerful mood during his plea hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday (August 15) despite having been languishing in custody on remand when most defendants charged with the offences he faced would be free.

The 38-year-old, of Temple Bar, Walsall, appeared at the plea hearing via video link from prison. He pleaded guilty to burgling a property in his own building to steal tools including a drill on July 11 this year, and to possessing an axe in a public place.

Recorder Amy Jackson KC said: "How, and I do not question the decision made, has this defendant found himself remanded in custody on this matter? Is it because the burglary was committed where he was living?

Defending Simon Hands replied: "Yes, other than that, it is a potentially surprising decision to remand him in custody."

Melia does not have any relevant previous convictions and was ordered to liaise with the Probation Service so its officers can complete a pre-sentence report.

After pleading guilty, Melia decided to lighten the mood during a lull in proceedings by bursting into song. In a Black Country baritone, he sang: "It must be love, love, love. De, de, de."

Melia was rehashing London ska band Madness's 1981 global smash hit It Must Be Love, which was originally written and released by fellow Londoner Labi Siffre in 1972. The prisoner was singing the Madness version: Siffre's arrangement does not have the prominent piano 'de de de' notes after the chorus. 

However, Recorder Jackson was not impressed by the musical interlude and said: "Mr Melia, can you please remain quiet for the time being as we try and arrange a date for sentencing?"

A chastened Melia replied: "Yep."

He will be sentenced on Friday, October 3. Burglary carries a sentence ranging from a community order to 14 years' imprisonment while possessing an offensive weapon, depending on the circumstances, could result in a minimum six-month prison term.

Recorder Jackson said: "Mr Melia, I am adjourning this case so a pre-sentence report can be completed. I'm sure you know this offence can carry a custodial sentence and all options will be explored. 

"You have stood yourself in the best stead you can. You make sure you attend, either by van or video link, on Friday, October 3. if you do not then that will be a separate offence."

Melia repeatedly said "Thanks, I know what I've got to do."

Concluding the hearing, Recorder Jackson asked the prosecution and defence barristers "[is there] anything I need to know before I adjourn this hearing?"

Melia wise-cracked: "The date of birth of Princess Anne?"

The judge then concluded the hearing to which Melia said: "Thank you, your honour, absolutely splendid." 

He was then told to knock the door behind him to be taken back to the wing of HMP Hewell. 

The video link still was running as Melia unsuccessfully tried to get the attention of a guard. 

He then turned around and asked Recorder Jackson: "Am I still on remand?" He was told: "Yes, you are on remand, you are not a serving prisoner."

After several more unsuccessful knocks at the door, Melia, wearing a grey t-shirt and jeans, could be heard saying: "Cor, I'm not half sweating today" after which Recorder Jackson ordered the link to be "terminated".