Crime
GUILTY OF SIX CHARGES: Verdict in Nathan John case delivered
A 19-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire man has been found guilty of raping two 16-year-old girls in separate incidents that occurred in Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.
Nathan John, of Richard John Road in Milford Haven, was convicted on Friday (Oct 18) at Swansea Crown Court following a trial in which he faced seven sexual offence charges.
The jury deliberated for approximately three hours and 40 minutes before reaching their verdict.
John was found guilty of six out of the seven charges, including:
- Three counts of rape
- One count of sexual assault by penetration
- One count of sexual assault
- One count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent
He was acquitted of one charge of sexual assault by penetration relating to the second victim.
The first assault took place in the early hours of 2 October 2022, after John had been out drinking in Milford Haven the night before. The second incident occurred on 16 May 2023 in Haverfordwest.
During the trial, the court heard emotional testimony from the victims and their families.
The stepfather of the Milford Haven victim described receiving a distressing photograph of his stepdaughter at a local pub, followed by her return home in a distraught state, claiming she had been raped.
The Haverfordwest victim testified that John had become violent during their encounter, grabbing her by the throat and threatening her with a knife before the assault.
Police officers testified about John’s aggressive behaviour during his arrest near Haverfordwest train station. Body camera footage showed the defendant making threats and attempting to headbutt an officer.
Sentencing is expected to take place in the coming days.
(Image: Artist’s impression of court proceedings)
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
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
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
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:
- Online: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 101
You can also provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers:
- Phone: 0800 555 111
- Website: crimestoppers-uk.org
Please quote reference number 24*944729 when providing information.
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