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Crime

Woman forced to drive by ex-partner after smoking joint

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A COURT has heard how a 21-year-old woman, described by her solicitor as “vulnerable,” was forced to drive her car by her violent and intimidating ex-partner just minutes after smoking a cannabis joint.

This week, Iola Williams-Jones appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates, where she pleaded guilty to a charge of driving over the legal drugs limit.

Magistrates heard how Williams-Jones, of Olivers View, Pembroke, was stopped by officers in Commercial Row, Pembroke Dock, at around 5am on 31 March.

“They stopped her black Ford Fiesta due to the manner of her driving,” said Crown Prosecutor Nia James.

“When they spoke to her, they noticed her pupils were glazed, and there was a smell of cannabis coming from the car.”

During her interview with officers, Williams-Jones admitted to smoking cannabis about 30 minutes before being stopped. A subsequent blood test confirmed she had 8.4 mg of cannabis in her blood. The legal limit is 2.

However, the defendant’s solicitor explained that the offence was the result of a prolonged period of violence and intimidation by her ex-partner.

“She was violently woken during the night by her ex-partner, who told her he needed to leave the property,” said her solicitor.

“She was frightened because he had assaulted her in the past.

“He handed her a cannabis joint and told her to smoke it, claiming it would calm her nerves.”

Williams-Jones then drove off with him in the car.

“She was extremely distressed about driving and stopped several times,” the solicitor continued. “But she was repeatedly and aggressively urged by her ex-partner to continue. Fearing the repercussions if she refused, she carried on driving.”

After taking the mitigating circumstances into account, magistrates disqualified Williams-Jones from driving for 12 months. She was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £32 surcharge.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

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THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”

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Crime

Sex offender jailed for breaching court order

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A SEX offender from Wolfscastle has been jailed after using fake names on WhatsApp and attempting to access a social media app, breaching his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

Luke Rogers, 38, was sentenced to 10 months in prison at Swansea Crown Court after pleading guilty to two breaches of the order, which was imposed following his 2020 conviction for sexual activity with a child.

Under the SHPO, Rogers was prohibited from using unregistered internet-enabled devices or creating online profiles under false names. Prosecutor Ryan Bowen told the court that police monitoring software installed on Rogers’ phone detected activity in group chats under three aliases last November.

Further investigation revealed Rogers had also searched for the MeetMe app on four occasions and admitted using it. Rogers, described by Mr. Bowen as “apologetic,” was arrested, and his phone was seized.

The court heard Rogers has a history of 17 convictions for 35 offences, including breaching court orders and failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements.

Defence barrister Olivia Rose said Rogers had cooperated fully with police and expressed a desire to change. She argued that his breaches stemmed from a misunderstanding about permitted names and emphasized his efforts to seek support.

Despite these mitigating factors, Judge Catherine Richards noted Rogers’ pattern of reoffending and stated: “The reality is I can only pass an immediate custodial sentence.”

She expressed hope that Rogers would take advantage of post-sentence supervision to break the cycle of offending.

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Crime

Police renew appeal to find Darren Markes from Pembroke Dock

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POLICE in Pembrokeshire are renewing their appeal for information to locate Darren Markes, 46, from Pembroke Dock. He is wanted in connection with a domestic assault.

Markes is believed to have links to the Portsmouth and Sussex areas.

If you have seen Darren Markes or have any information about his whereabouts, please contact the police through one of the following methods:

You can also provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers:

Please quote reference number 24*944729 when providing information.

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