Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Suspended sentence for ‘amateur’ £10k blackmail plot

Published

on

A LETTERSTON man tried to blackmail £10,000 from a man who had sexual activity with him when they were both children.

Peter Williams, aged 49, threatened to “put it all over Facebook and ruin your life.”

Williams, of Station Road, admitted blackmail.

Judge Paul Thomas said it was an exceptional case and jailed Williams for 15 months but suspended the sentence for 18 months. Williams must also complete 20 sessions of rehabilitation and 200 hours of unpaid work for the community.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Williams was four years younger than the other man and when they were schoolboys they engaged in sexual touching.

Although in the years later they saw each other around Cardigan from time to time they were never friends.

Helen Randall, prosecuting, said that on November 1 last year the man received a telephone call from Williams “out of the blue.”

Williams told him, “You ruined my childhood. You were older. I’ve been reading the papers. It is what you owe me.

“I want ten thousand pounds or I will put it all over Facebook.”

When told that was blackmail Williams replied, “Call it what you want. I call it hush money.”

The man went to see a solicitor who advised him to contact the police.

The following morning Williams called again, this time leaving a message saying, “It’s not going away. I will come in and make a scene.”

Williams was arrested.

Miss Randall said the man was questioned by the police about Williams’ allegations of sexual activity. He agreed there had been contact by mutual consent.

There was a dispute, she added, about how old they had been at the time, but in the event the Crown Prosecution Service had decided not to take any action over the matter.

Ian Ibrahim, Williams’ barrister, said he should have gone to the police with his complaints and not resorted to blackmail.

Judge Thomas said it was a serious matter and would normally warrant an immediate jail sentence.

“Blackmail is an ugly offence.

“There is no doubt you were sexually abused by him when young and you have been brooding excessively about this.

“It was blackmail but it was very amateurish,” he added.

 

News

Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

Published

on

A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

Continue Reading

Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

Published

on

Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

 

Continue Reading

Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

Published

on

Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.

 

Continue Reading

Crime8 hours ago

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched...

Crime11 hours ago

Teacher discharged as Milford School to reopen Monday after serious assault

Deputy head praises ‘calm and professional’ staff and pupils during lockdown A TEACHER injured in a serious incident at Milford...

Crime1 day ago

Teacher discharged as police step back from Milford Haven school after assault

Teenager remains in custody as school closes and patrols increased to reassure community POLICE have confirmed they are no longer...

Crime1 day ago

Teacher injured and teenager arrested for attempted murder at Milford Haven School

Lockdown triggered as pupil allegedly attacks staff member with weapon – boy, 15, held on suspicion of attempted murder A...

international news2 days ago

Pembrokeshire women conquer Atlantic in epic 3,000-mile row

PEMBROKESHIRE’S all-female rowing crew Merched y Mor have completed one of the hardest endurance challenges on the planet after crossing...

Crime2 days ago

Sex offender jailed after living off grid in Pembrokeshire and refusing to register

Man walked into police station after months avoiding authorities A CONVICTED sex offender who told police he intended to live...

Crime3 days ago

More rape and sexual assault survivors to get right to challenge dropped cases

New review scheme to be rolled out across CPS Cymru-Wales following successful pilot SURVIVORS of rape and serious sexual assault...

Crime3 days ago

Man spared jail after admitting child abuse image offences

Police seized devices after intelligence linked Pembrokeshire address to illegal cloud storage accounts A 23-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire man has avoided immediate...

Community4 days ago

Cleddau at heart of major water reforms as ministers promise ‘fundamental reset’

New regulation plan aims to tackle pollution, sewage spills and ageing infrastructure COMMUNITIES along the River Cleddau could see tighter...

Crime4 days ago

Man caught in hotel sting after trying to meet girl, 13

Laugharne defendant confronted by paedophile hunters at St Clears Travelodge before suspended jail term at Swansea Crown Court A LAUGHARNE...

Popular This Week