Crime

Man admits punching woman ‘forcefully’ causing her to fall to ground

Published

2 months ago

October 29, 2024

A COURT has heard how a woman, described as ‘vulnerable,’ was punched viciously to her face near a Pembrokeshire railway bridge, causing her to fall to the floor.

This week Matthew Evans, 36, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates court where he pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting Shan Jones by beating.

The court was told that earlier that evening Ms Jones and the defendant had been drinking together inside a Kilgetty pub.

“A female went inside a toilet and the defendant went in as well” said Crown Prosecutor Nia James.

“There was indicative talk in the pub of some illegal activity, and the couple were thrown out and the item was flushed down the sink.”

Nia James went on to say that members of the public who were standing outside the pub overhead the couple arguing close to the railway bridge.

“[Matthew Evans] had the female by the shoulders as they stood underneath the bridge, and he was quite noticeable as he was wearing a hi-viz jacket and was carrying a box of beer.

“He was seen wrapping his arm around her and pulling her in for a hug.”

But Evans was then seen punching the female to her face, causing her to fall to the floor. When Ms Jones got up, she was holding her hand to her eye and the witnesses said that it appeared to be red.

The witnesses notified the police of the incident however the victim refused to provide a formal statement of complaint to police officers.

District Judge Mark Layton was told by probation officer Julie Norman that at the time of the incident, Evans was suffering from alcohol and drugs misuse, however she believes there is now a ‘realistic prospect’ of his rehabilitation.

Evans, of Woodfield Avenue, Kilgetty, was sentenced to 12 weeks in custody suspended for two years. He must carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days which will include a ‘building better relationships’ course and an alcohol monitoring requirement. He was ordered to pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 costs. No compensation order was made to the victim as a result of her refusal to give a formal statement.

“There was evidence of drink and some evidence of drug misuse,” commented Judge Layton when imposing sentence.

“You left the pub, and without any real reason, you punched the victim to the face so forcefully that she fell to the floor.

“And what makes this worse is that in December 2022 you were sentenced for a previous assault on the same victim so she’s been assaulted at least twice to the degree that you’ve been brought to court.

“If you continue to act violently towards your partner, you’ll end up in prison.”

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

1 day 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: