PARENTS are being urged to reconsider purchasing e-scooters as Christmas gifts due to legal restrictions and potential risks. While the devices might appear to be a fun and exciting present, Dyfed-Powys Police caution that they could lead to significant legal and financial consequences.

In the UK, privately owned e-scooters are only legal to use on private land with the landowner’s permission. Riding them on public roads, pavements, parks, or cycle paths is prohibited and considered an offence. Parents should be aware that they could face prosecution if their child uses an e-scooter illegally.

E-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), meaning riders can be charged with several offences. These may result in fines of up to £300, six penalty points on a driving licence, and confiscation of the e-scooter. Drivers who passed their test within the last two years risk disqualification and may need to retake their theory and practical tests.

“Understand the rules and risks”

Sergeant Dave Mallin of Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We understand that e-scooters may seem like a fun and exciting gift idea, but it’s important to understand the rules and risks that come with them. Privately owned e-scooters are illegal to use on public roads, pavements, or cycle paths. Their speed and silence can pose a significant danger to other road users and pedestrian safety, especially vulnerable pedestrians.

“Many people are unaware of the restrictions on e-scooters, and while retailers may be happy to sell one to you, it could be seized the moment you attempt to use it in a public place.”

Riders must also be over 16 and hold a full or provisional licence for a car, motorbike, or moped. While some parts of the UK operate rental e-scooter trials under strict conditions, these schemes are not available in the Dyfed-Powys area.

“Zero tolerance this Christmas”

Sgt Mallin added: “Dyfed-Powys Police operates a zero-tolerance approach to e-scooters, and we would urge parents to think twice about buying e-scooters as presents this Christmas. Consider a safer and more appropriate gift.”

For more information about e-scooter regulations and safe usage, visit Dyfed-Powys Police’s advice page.

A MAN accused of murdering a retired riding instructor in Swansea has told a jury he believes he will die behind bars.

Wendy Buckney, 71, was discovered battered and stabbed at her home in Clydach in August 2022. The court heard she had been attacked with a table leg and shelving before being repeatedly stabbed. Her injuries were so severe that a pathologist could not determine the exact number of stab wounds.

The defendant, Brian Whitelock, 57, admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but denied murder. Representing himself at Swansea Crown Court, Mr. Whitelock said he had no memory of the events, citing brain injuries and hearing voices.

Victim found covered in furniture

CCTV and audio recordings were shown in court, capturing Mr. Whitelock outside Ms. Buckney’s flat, covered in blood, telling a neighbour he had killed her. Inside, Ms. Buckney’s naked body was discovered concealed under furniture.

The prosecution, led by Chris Rees KC, said Mr. Whitelock used “extreme violence,” drawing parallels to a 2000 case in which he killed two men, including his brother.

Past convictions resurface

In 2001, Mr. Whitelock was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering Nicky Morgan and the manslaughter of his brother, Glenn Whitelock, who was asleep upstairs during the incident.

When questioned about the previous killings, Mr. Whitelock walked out of the witness box, declaring: “I’m not answering any more questions. You can go on the medical evidence. I can’t defend myself.”

He described his attack on Ms. Buckney as “out of character,” blaming head injuries from two falls shortly before her death. He claimed the injuries caused memory loss, confusion, and erratic behaviour.

‘She was one of the kindest people I knew’

Mr. Whitelock described Ms. Buckney as a kind and generous person who had helped him often. “She was really lovely, one of the most genuine people I know,” he said. “She helped me a lot. It’s difficult to talk about. She would do anything to help me.”

The court also heard that Mr. Whitelock had been prescribed strong sleeping tablets and had gone days without food or sleep in the lead-up to the attack.

Accused denies lying

Prosecutor Chris Rees accused Mr. Whitelock of lying to avoid another life sentence, asserting that he had also lied during his 2001 trial. Mr. Whitelock denied the allegations, saying: “I served my time, this has no relevance in this case whatsoever. You’re just trying to tie me in knots.”

An officer who arrested Mr. Whitelock overheard him saying, “I’m not doing another life sentence for murder,” during questioning at Swansea Central Police Station.

The case continues.

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.

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.