Crime

Neighbourhood Watch director questioned over blue lights use claim

Published

2 months ago

November 26, 2024

A ROUTINE night supporting local communities turned unexpectedly dramatic for Ajay Owen, the Director and Chair of Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch, after he was pulled over by police twice on Tuesday evening last week (Nov 19).

Ajay, who was assisting residents across North Ceredigion and Western Powys during freezing conditions, was first stopped in Aberystwyth. Dyfed-Powys Police had received a report falsely alleging he was using illegal blue lights to stop drivers.

**Stopped twice for allegedly using blue lights: Ajay Owen (Image: Facebook)**

Cooperating fully with officers, Ajay allowed them to inspect his vehicle, where they confirmed no blue lights were installed. He explained that he uses legal magnetic amber lights, which are removed when not in use. Officers described the check as the “easiest” they had ever conducted, with Ajay even assisting in the inspection. Reassured, the officers thanked him for his community work and allowed him to continue.

However, hours later, Ajay was stopped again, this time near Cardigan, by a separate team of traffic officers investigating the same allegation. After explaining the earlier stop, the officers apologised and allowed him to proceed without issue.

Ajay praised the professionalism and empathy of the officers involved in both incidents, despite the false reports that triggered the stops. Following the events, he filed an official report requesting an investigation into the malicious calls.

The police would not comment on the specific stops but said in a general statement: “Stop and search remains a hugely important police power for protecting the public, tackling crime and keeping our streets safe.

“Stop and search must be used in a fair and effective way that supports public confidence and is independently scrutinised.

“We will continue to work with our communities and stakeholders to ensure that stop and search continues to protect the public.”

Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch reminded volunteers no Neighbourhood Watch member, Coordinator, or Deputy is permitted to use blue lights under any circumstances.

“Any breaches of this policy will be reported to the police”, they said.

Crime

Haverfordwest shoplifter admits theft and criminal damage

Published

2 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Sarah Jane Absalom

A 23-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire man has been sentenced by magistrates after admitting stealing cans of Hooch and a bottle of wine from the B&M store, Haverfordwest.

Rhys Wheeler was seen stealing three cans of Hooch and a bottle of wine from the store on December 4. As a result, he was arrested by police officers and placed inside a police van.

“He started shouting and swearing and was put in the back of the van, in a cage,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“En-route, officers stopped to make a phone call to the defendant’s mother and this was when he kicked out and spat towards one of the officers, causing saliva to land on the perspex of the cage. He later said he had HIV.”

Wheeler, who is currently on no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the theft of the drinks, valued at £8.70, and of causing criminal damage to the police cage.

He was represented in court by solicitor, Tom Lloyd.

“He’d lost his job at a sushi bar and things have been difficult for him since then,” he said.

“He wasn’t in quite the right frame of mind and didn’t know what he was doing.

“There are no excuses for what he’s done and if you sit down with him today, he would tell you how genuinely sorry he is for what he’s done.”

Wheeler was ordered to pay £100 compensation to Dyfed-Powys Police for the damage caused to the police van and £8.70 compensation to B&M, Haverfordwest. He was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £32 surcharge. “

Crime

Father-of-two sentenced for destroying car

Published

2 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN has been sentenced for trashing a car that had been left in a car park in Fishguard town centre.

Father-of-two Daniel Mitchell walked up to the car, which was owned by Mr Lloyd Bowen, during the night of September 13, 2024 and:-

SMASHED each of the passenger side windows;

SMASHED the boot window;

SMASHED each of the rear lights and

SCRATCHED the paintwork on the car bonnet and the driver’s door.

“The car was completely destroyed,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“It was surrounded by broken glass and it looked as if the damage had been caused by a weapon.”

The court was told that Mr Bowen had parked the car close to his father’s property in Harbour Village, Fishguard, at around 9.30pm, but when he returned to it just before 7.30am the following morning, he discovered it had been extensively damaged.

Mitchell, 29, of Dunster Close, Rugby, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the vehicle.

He was fined £600 and was ordered to pay £500 compensation to Mr Lloyd Bowen, a £240 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Newport man charged with supplying drugs

Published

2 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Sarah Jane Absalom

A NEWPORT man accused of supplying cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabis has appeared before magistrates.

Luke Jones, 33, was arrested in Haverfordwest on June 3, 2024, with significant quantities of drugs, including 14.37 grams of cocaine and 135 grams of amphetamines. Additional charges include offering to supply ketamine and possession of MDMA.

Jones entered no pleas, and the case has been referred to Swansea Crown Court for a hearing on February 14. He was released on unconditional bail.