Crime

Second victim takes the stand in day two of Nathan John’s trial

Published

2 months ago

October 15, 2024

THE TRIAL of Nathan John, charged with the sexual assault of two 16-year-old girls in separate incidents in Milford Haven and Haverfordwest, continued today at Swansea Crown Court.

The Milford Haven victim’s stepfather provided a harrowing account of how he first learned of the alleged rape. In the early hours of the morning, he received a photograph from a relative, showing his stepdaughter at a local pub. Shortly after, she returned home, distraught and in tears, saying, “I have been raped.” He described her appearance, noting that her clothes were soaked and covered in mud, which he later handed over to the police for forensic investigation.

The victim’s mother also gave emotional testimony, recalling how she had gone to bed after exchanging texts with her daughter, only to find her later that night standing in the living room, visibly upset and shaking. “She said, ‘I have been raped,’” the mother recounted tearfully. She immediately called the police, and the victim’s muddy clothing was seized as evidence.

Police Officer Wilson, who arrested Nathan John, testified about the events of the night in Haverfordwest. Wilson found John asleep in bed and, after waking him, placed him under arrest.

The court heard that John was swabbed for DNA.

Next, the Haverfordwest victim took the stand. In her evidence the victim bravely explained that she and John, who appeared intoxicated, had been walking together when he suddenly became violent. She pulled away and then he grabbed her neck.

Before the attack started, the victim recounted how John threatened her, saying, “If anyone harms you, I will kill them,” before showing her a knife.

She described how John then dragged her to a secluded area, where he pulled down her trousers and raped her. Despite her desperate screams for help, no one came to her aid. The victim said she had trusted John, who was part of the same group of friends.

A witness, who is a close friend of the Haverfordwest victim, gave a moving account of the moments following the attack. She described how the victim had banged on her door late at night, frantic and in tears, and told her that Nathan John had raped her.

John was arrested near Haverfordwest train station later that night, and officers testified that he was verbally aggressive, slurring his words, and smelled of alcohol. At one point during his transportation to the police station, he allegedly attempted to headbutt a police officer. Body camera footage also captured him shouting, “I never would disrespect my mother,” while threatening to harm both the police and the victim.

In addition to the witness’s testimony, the court saw body camera footage from the police showing John’s aggressive behaviour during his arrest. He reportedly shouted at the officers, “I’m going to kill you,” and made threats towards the victim and the police officers’ families.

The trial continues.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

7 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

24 hours 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

1 day 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: