News
Keyboard theft case dismissed
MAGISTRATES have dismissed a case of theft of a computer keyboard against a Fishguard man after they could not prove the case. Peter Bromley, aged 39, of West Street, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for his trial after he had pleaded not guilty to the charge on July 8. A second charge of fraud, to which he had also pleaded not guilty, was dropped by the prosecution. Prosecuting, Dennis Davies said: “Bromley had been recommended to a Mr Glastonbury to help him dispose of items from a number of sheds at a property, and in one of those sheds was a keyboard.
“Mr Glastonbury used to rent his property from where the alleged theft occurred, but in April of this year he moved out. “The keyboard was taken but was recovered from Bromley’s property, who told the police he was given the keyboard. “Mr Glastonbury said he had given him permission to take some items but not the keyboard itself.” Mr Glastonbury then gave evidence, saying: “I was looking for someone to give me assistance with painting and gardening jobs and I would pay him a daily rate for helping.
“There are a number of sheds at the property, and in one of them was a computer keyboard which I put there when I upgraded to a wireless keyboard. I put it in the shed with the intention to sell it at a future car boot sale. “I wrapped the keyboard in bubble wrap and put it in a plastic bag to keep the damp off of it. “I told him he could get rid of the scrap metal and I also gave him paint brushes and rollers, which I said he could have with my compliments.”
Defending, Mark Layton suggested the keyboard was given to Bromley when he gave him the paint brushes and rollers, but Mr Glastonbury told the court that he gave him the paint brushes and rollers on a separate day and that the keyboard was not part of that. Bromley then also gave evidence saying: “He gave me the keyboard, paint brushes and rollers. The keyboard was wrapped in a bag on top of the box with all the paint.
“We were emptying the shed and I noticed the keyboard and said ‘I need a new one for my computer, is there any chance I could have this keyboard?’, and Mr Glastonbury said yes.” Bromley continued: “All he was doing was getting rid of old stuff, he was with me when I sorted the shed out. I took it home and set it up with my computer. Police then came round the next day saying that the keyboard was on a list of things that had gone missing”.
Summing up the case, Mark Layton told the magistrates that there were a significant number of doubts in the case and that they should rule in favour of the defendant. The Magistrates returned after a short time to tell the court that they could not prove the case beyond reasonable doubt and the case was dismissed.
Crime
Police appeal for information after several tractors stolen
POLICE officers in Pembrokeshire investigating a theft from several tractors, which happened overnight between April 17-18, 2024.
The tractors had been in a field near to Loch Turfin, Haverfordwest.
Included in the stolen items were vehicle keys, tools and waterproof clothing.
A spokesperson said “Police are now appealing for anyone with information that could help them with their investigation to contact PC 772 Boyt either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 101.
“Quote reference: 24*355571”
Community
Pembrokeshire firefighters help deliver fire engines to Ukraine
FIRE services from across the United Kingdom have rallied together to donate vital firefighting equipment to Ukraine, amidst ongoing conflicts that have seen local fire stations and firefighters come under direct attack.
The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) was at the forefront of this international goodwill effort, donating three fire appliances and dispatching nine of their personnel to ensure safe delivery.
The initiative, coordinated by Fire Aid UK, involved a total of 11 UK fire services. Over a grueling 5.5-day journey that spanned several countries—starting from Kent Fire and Rescue Service and moving through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and into Poland—33 fire appliances were transported to a location just 20 miles from the Ukraine border. They left Kent on April 23.
This convoy, laden with not just fire engines but also 3000 items of critical firefighting gear including cutting equipment, fire hoses, first aid kits, and generators, was a sight of resilience and humanitarian commitment. Watch Manager Rob MakePeace, a Business Fire Safety Officer, and Watch Manager Keith Jenkins, who is retired but still oversees part-time personnel at Haverfordwest, played pivotal roles in the operation from Pembrokeshire.
Speaking on the experience, Keith Jenkins expressed the profound impact of the mission, “It was a fantastic experience to be involved in. The convoy itself was an amazing sight, but the people we met, places we stayed and the reason we were delivering the appliances was something we will remember for a long time.”
The donation comes at a critical time for Ukraine, where daily attacks have not only jeopardized the lives of local firefighters but have also devastated much of the essential infrastructure needed to fight fires effectively. The additional appliances and equipment from the UK are expected to significantly bolster the capabilities of the Ukrainian fire departments, providing them with the necessary tools to save lives and protect property under dire circumstances.
This act of generosity and the strenuous efforts by the UK firefighters underscore a deep commitment to aiding those in peril, transcending borders and showcasing the best of international cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
News
Protest outside Stephen Crabb’s office over Rwanda deportations
SUPPORTERS of West Wales Stand Up to Racism group will attend a protest outside the office of Stephen Crabb MP in Market Street at 6pm on Tuesday evening (May 7).
The protest is to highlight the inhumane scheme to send refugees to Rwanda.
Since the Rwanda Bill was finally passed last week, refugees have already been identified, detained and are being prepared to be flown to Rwanda to have their asylum claims processed there.
Rushi Sunak has said “To detain people while we prepare to remove them, we’ve increased detention spaces to 2,200.
“To quickly process claims, we’ve got 200 trained, dedicated caseworkers ready and waiting. To deal with any legal cases quickly and decisively, the judiciary has made available 25 courtrooms and identified 150 judges who could provide over 5,000 sitting days.”
The protestors are asking: why is all this money being spent when these vulnerable people could have their asylum claims dealt with in the UK?
If the Prime Minister hoped his Rwanda plan would help get more votes for the Conservative Party in the recent elections, it would appear he was mistaken.
A new report from the Refugee Council warns that the UK Government’s flagship Illegal Migration Act and Rwanda Plan will lead to another catastrophic “system meltdown”, trapping over 100,000 people in permanent limbo while costing taxpayers billions.
West Wales Stand Up to Racism has campaigned against the Government’s plan to send refugees to Rwanda from the time this scheme was first suggested.
Supporters have previously met with Simon Hart MP and attempted to deliver a giant postcard to his office.
The group has taken part in the online Hands in Protest project organised by Artisan Avenue, Tenby which allowed everyone to express on line how they felt about Rwanda by submitting drawings of their own hands. The collective Hands In Protest gives a powerful message that the Rwanda plan should be stopped.
The organisers said: “Supporters will be once more taking the giant postcard on Tuesday, to protest about the Rwanda scheme. We will have small post cards for supporters to write messages to Stephen Crabb, telling him how strongly we feel about this.
“All over the UK, anti-racists are picketing Home Office buildings to show their opposition to the Rwanda scheme and are trying to prevent arrests and giving support to the refugees being arrested and detained.
“West Wales Stand Up to Racism supporters want to make their voices heard too.”
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