Crime

Professional fighter avoids jail following assault in pub car park

Published

2 months ago

October 14, 2024

IN a sentencing at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Oct 14), David John Round, a 38-year-old man from Camuset Close, Hakin, received a suspended prison sentence for assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH). Following a three-day trial last month, where a jury found Round guilty, he was today handed an 18-month suspended sentence, extended by three months due to his prior convictions.

The court imposed a 21-month sentence, suspended for 24 months, and ordered a series of measures aimed at rehabilitation and ensuring public safety. These include a 120-day alcohol abstinence requirement enforced through an electronic tag, a five-year restraining order, and a probation order with mandatory participation in a rehabilitation programme. Additionally, Round was ordered to pay £3,000 in compensation to his victim, Vicky Bambrough-Harteveld.

The assault took place in the early hours of 2 July 2022, in the car park of The Three Crowns pub. The court heard how Round, a professional fighter, attacked Ms. Bambrough-Harteveld following a verbal altercation. Witnesses described the attack as brutal, with Round knocking the woman to the ground and delivering multiple punches.

Despite denying the charges and asserting that he “wouldn’t hit a woman,” Round was found guilty of ABH. The jury, however, cleared him of the more serious charge of racially aggravated assault, after deliberating for over five hours.

Prosecutor Georgia Donohue highlighted Round’s intoxication on the night of the assault, noting his admission of having consumed substantial amounts of alcohol. She described him as “much drunker than anyone else” involved in the incident, which was supported by CCTV evidence.

In defence, David Leathley questioned the severity of the injuries sustained by Ms. Bambrough-Harteveld, suggesting that injuries inflicted by a professional fighter would have been more severe. The victim responded sharply, noting that Round “loses most of his fights,” implying the injuries were consistent with his capabilities.

The sentencing, passed by Judge Rees, reflects the court’s consideration of Round’s previous convictions and the need for a structured intervention to prevent future offences. Round’s history includes convictions for wounding and assault dating back to 2009 and a battery charge in 2013.

This case has drawn attention due to the nature of the assault and the subsequent legal proceedings, underscoring the ongoing issues surrounding violence and public safety in the community.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

23 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.”

Crime

Sex offender jailed for breaching court order

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Court Reporter

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.

Crime

Police renew appeal to find Darren Markes from Pembroke Dock

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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: