Pembroke Dock: Arsonist jailed for six years after starting flat fire

Published

6 years ago

October 26, 2018

An arsonist who confessed to setting hundreds of fires over the years has been jailed today (Oct 26) for six years.

Robert Royan, aged 65, was sentenced for his fourth conviction for arson.

The first three were in Tenby but the fourth was in a house divided into flats in Commercial Road, Pembroke Dock, where Royan himself was a tenant.

Frank Phillips, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court how a fire broke out in an electricity box in a communal hallway in the early hours.

Royan himself called the fire service from a telephone box and was standing outside the building when officers arrived.

They became suspicious and Royan told senior fire officer Craig Jones that he had been out for a walk, having been unable to sleep, and noticed smoke coming from the building on his return.

He later told police he had walked to the port to see a ferry arrive. But CCTV cameras proved he had not taken the route he claimed to have walked.

The fire led to an occupant needing medical treatment for smoke inhalation and £5,711 worth of damage.

Police found a Screwfix catalogue in Royan’s flat and charred pages from the same catalogue inside the electricity box.

Royan admitted arson while reckless as to whether life would be endangered.

His barrister, James Hartson, said he had had a grudge against the letting agent he had dealt with.

Judge Paul Thomas said that put his offending into the revenge arson bracket.

The court heard that Royan had already served prison sentences of four, three and then five years for setting fires.

One had been for starting fires in two bedrooms of his mother’s house and the latest was for smashing the window of a shop in Tenby and putting lit papers inside.

Mr Hartson said Royan had various difficulties which led to him becoming frustrated, although a psychiatrist did not consider him to be mentally ill.

Judge Thomas told Royan he had a dangerous, lifelong obsession with starting fires.

“You deliberately and spitefully set a fire in a shared hallway in a block of flats. You knew it was occupied by several vulnerable people.

“It ran a real risk to life and limb because fire, as you well know, is unpredictable and dangerous.

“You set fires heedless of the consequences to others and I have a duty to protect the public.”

Judge Thomas told Royan it was particularly worrying that his first conviction for arson was almost 40 years ago but he still resorted to fire to settle grievances.

Royan was told he would be on licence and liable to be recalled to prison until 2028 irrespective of when he was released from the custodial element of the sentence.

Neighbourhood Watch director questioned over blue lights use claim

Published

5 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.

News

Woman rescued from remote Pembrokeshire beach after serious injury

Published

5 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A WOMAN has been rescued from Cwm-yr-Eglwys beach in Pembrokeshire after suffering a serious open fracture to her femur.

Emergency services were called to the remote beach yesterday (Nov 25) following reports of the injury, which involved the bone puncturing through the skin.

Wales Air Ambulance, HM Coastguard, an ambulance, and a paramedic car were dispatched to assist the casualty.

Due to the severity of the injury, the air ambulance, carrying a doctor, landed in the caravan field behind the beach. The woman was treated at the scene before being stabilised.

She was subsequently transported to Withybush Hospital by land ambulance for further care.

Business

Roch Castle wins awards at the Historic Hotels of Europe ceremony in Prague

Published

6 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROCH CASTLE near St Davids is proud to announce its recent wins at the Historic Hotels of
Europe Awards, held in the heart of Prague.

Adelle and Johanna, representing Roch Castle, accepted two distinguished accolades for the entire team: Historic Eco Hotel of the Year and the Silver Award for Historic Castle Hotel of the Year.

The Historic Eco Hotel of the Year award recognises Roch Castle’s dedication to sustainable
hospitality, a core value shared by staff and visitors.

This award celebrates the castle’s eco-friendly practices and commitment to preserving the environment while offering a luxury
experience steeped in history.

The Silver Award for Historic Castle Hotel of the Year also honours Roch Castle’s unique ability to provide guests with an unforgettable stay in an authentic and beautifully restored 12th-century castle.

The management gave a heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who supported Roch Castle and voted in the awards.

Special recognition is due to our exceptional team, whose hard work and dedication
made these achievements possible.

For more details on Roch Castle or to experience this award-winning destination for yourself,
visit our website at www.rochcastle.com, email [email protected] or call 01437 725 566.