News
Haverfordwest woman avoids jail after ‘shameless’ lies to police
A ‘SHAMELESS’ Haverfordwest woman who tried to save her boyfriend from being charged with kidnap has today (Jun 20) received a suspended prison sentence.
Anne Marie Churchill, aged 31, lied to police about the whereabouts of King Wusu and then gave him a false alibi for the night before.
Police did not believe her first statement and found Wusu hiding under a bed at her home in Peregrine Close.
And she knew where he had been the night before because he had sent her text messages telling her what he was doing, Swansea Crown Court heard.
Churchill admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice.
The mother of one was jailed for six months, suspended for two years and ordered to complete 180 hours of work for the community and 10 days of a rehabilitation activity.
Robin Rouch, prosecuting, said the offending resulted from the behaviour of her boyfriend and his friend, Samuel Riley-Poku.
Riley-Poku believed that Daniel Depew had stolen some of his clothing and he and Wusu were accused of tracking him down to Castle Gardens, Haverfordwest, assaulting him and then bundling him into the boot of a Ford Ka.
During their trial they were said to have driven Mr Depew into countryside near Narberth where he had been ordered to strip before suddenly running away into bushes wearing just boxer shorts and a pair of socks.
Mr Depew spent the night in a stable and slept under horse blankets. The following day a farmer fed him, clothed him and drove him back to Haverfordwest.
Riley-Poku and Wusu were found not guilty of kidnapping and assault.
But, said Judge Geraint Walters today, Churchill had not given evidence at their trial and, according to what was now her account of what they had done, they had ‘deviously hoodwinked’ the jury.
He said lying came naturally to Churchill. Not only had she lied about where he was but her statement to police claiming Wusu had been with her all night was ‘lie after lie, a pack of lies.’
“You are a shameless individual. Deep down I think you should go straight to prison and if you were not a single parent you would be going down right now.”
Judge Walters said he wanted to make it clear that it was extremely rare for anyone who made false statements to the police to receive anything other than a sentence of immediate jail.
Judge Walters said he would reserve the case to himself and if Churchill breached any terms of the sentence he would activate it.
News
Multi-agency exercise at South Hook LNG Terminal
A MULTI-AGENCY exercise is scheduled to take place at the South Hook LNG Terminal tomorrow (Sunday), between 8:00am and 3:00pm.
Local residents in the vicinity of the terminal have already been informed about the event. However, authorities wish to reassure the wider public that an increase in traffic and activity near the terminal is part of this pre-planned exercise.
The exercise is a routine collaboration among emergency services and stakeholders to ensure preparedness for potential scenarios.
Residents and commuters are thanked in advance for their understanding and cooperation.
Crime
Police offer advice after 60 reports of stolen quad bikes from farms
DYFED-POWYS POLICE is advising the rural community to make sure security measures are in place to protect quad bikes and other farm equipment, in response to a spate of thefts.
There have been over 60 reports of stolen quad bikes across the force in 2024.
Farmers and other owners of quad bikes are reminded to be vigilant of suspicious vehicles and people in their community and to report any concerns to police.
Dyfed-Powys Police has acquired 150 SelectaDNA Rural Kits to support their efforts in combating rural crime. These advanced DNA asset-marking kits will be used to offer free property marking services to farmers, helping them protect their valuable equipment and machinery.
In addition to property marking, our Rural Crime Team officers, who are also qualified Crime Prevention Tactical Advisors (CPTAC), will visit farms to conduct comprehensive crime prevention audits. These audits are designed to ensure farms have the best security measures in place to deter criminal activity and safeguard their livelihoods.
The SelectaDNA Rural Kits use a unique DNA solution that can be applied to tools, vehicles, machinery, and other valuable assets. This marking is virtually invisible but can be detected under UV light, providing an indisputable link between stolen property and its rightful owner. This has proven to be a powerful deterrent against theft and an invaluable tool in recovering stolen items.
Rural communities are often targeted by criminals due to their remote locations and the high value of farming equipment.By offering free property marking and crime prevention visits, Dyfed-Powys Police aim to empower farmers with effective tools and advice to protect their assets and reduce the risk of crime.
Sergeant Paul Roberts from our Rural Crime Team, said: “I ask that local farmers and other quad bike owners take appropriate action to minimise the opportunities of these thefts occurring. This includes removing keys from ignitions after use and locking barns or outbuildings wherever the vehicles may be kept.
“I’m aware that thefts of quad bikes and farming machinery causes disruption to farmers’ work, as well as the financial implications, and I would like to reassure the public that police are thoroughly investigating these matters.
“I encourage anyone living in rural communities to remain vigilant to this type of theft, and to report any suspicious vehicles or behaviour to police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
The Rural Crime Team will be attending marts across the force, where community members can bring items such as tools, machinery, and bikes to be marked.
Farmers can also arrange a visit from our Rural Crime Team to mark equipment and conduct a security audit by emailing [email protected]
Visit our website for more information and advice about rural crime and what prevention measure you can take – https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rc/rural-crime/
News
Family pays tribute to ‘budding artist’ after tragic loss
THE FAMILY of a 14-year-old girl who died on Friday (Nov 15) has paid tribute to a “budding artist, rugby player and social media lover.”
Seren Jenkins, from Tycroes, Ammanford, tragically passed away following a medical emergency at Ammanford Rugby Club.
In a heartfelt statement, her family said: “We as a family are devastated by the loss of Seren.
“She was a loving daughter, big and little sister.
“Seren lived her short life to the full and was a budding artist, rugby player and social media lover.
“Seren was loved by all who knew her and no doubt will also be remembered for her sense of humour.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the emergency services at the scene and everybody for the GoFundMe page donations for Seren, where proceeds will likely be donated to various asthma services, the Wales Air Ambulance, and a possible memorial for her friends to remember her.
“We would also like to thank people for their kind words and support at this horrific time, but would now like to ask for this time to grieve in private.”
A GoFundMe page set up in Seren’s memory has received widespread support, reflecting the community’s shock and sadness at her loss.
Seren’s family described her as someone who brought joy to all who knew her, with a zest for life and a talent for art and rugby. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of love and laughter.
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