Alan Devonshire hopes his new signing will be judged on his footballing ability and not his prison record.

The Braintree Town boss has moved to bring former Brentford youngster and Hampton and Richmond skipper Dean Wells to the Amlin Stadium.

The defender joins The Iron after a spell in prison for his involvement in a brawl in London in May 2010.

He was jailed for 12 months for his part in the incident, but Devonshire said he was now only being judged on the quality of his play at Braintree.

The Iron boss added: “He is here for his football ability.

“He made a mistake and has paid for it, so we’re only looking at his football ability.”

He believes his latest signing will add the depth to his squad that will allow him to play the defensive formations that he wants.

And his new addition is set to feature in Saturday’s home match against Forest Green Rovers in the Blue Square Bet Premier.

Devonshire said: “Dean strengthens the team and the squad that we have here.

“He is a very good defender, who reads the game well and passes the ball well.

“He is not here to replace anyone, but to add strength to the squad and give depth in certain areas.

“His being here will allow me to do things through the season that I want to do.

“I may want to play three centre-halves so Dean gives me options at the back.

“I had him from the age of 19 when I was manager at Hampton and Richmond as he joined me from Brentford and he’ll be involved on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, Braintree striker Jamie Guy has joined Thurrock on a month’s loan as he continues his rehabilitation from a double leg break.

The former Colchester United front man returned after nine months on the sidelines with a hat-trick for the reserves last weekend and is now working his way back to be able to feature for the first team.

Devonshire said: “Jamie has gone on loan to Thurrock for a month.

“It’s for match fitness and then we’ll look to get him back involved with us before Christmas.”