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Llandysul: Dog owners fined for noise nuisance

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TWO Llandysul dog owners have been ordered to pay over £3,000 for failing to control their dogs’ barking.

Mark Stuart and Julie Ann Thompson, of Temple Cottage in Velindre, denied failing to comply with a noise abatement notice but were found guilty by Llanelli Magistrates last week.

In a prosecution led by Carmarthenshire County Council, the court heard 16 complaints had been made by residents against the husband and wife between June and August last year, with some barking incidents happening at midnight and 4am.

Over 130 recordings of excessive dog barking were received by Carmarthenshire County Council’s through their Noise App tool and a petition contained 90 signatures.

Around 16 dogs were present at the property when visited by the council’s environmental protection team. The couple, both aged 55, were served the notice but failed to keep their dogs from barking excessively.

They were fined £500 each and ordered to pay £1065.13 court costs and each must pay £50 victim surcharge.

The council’s executive board member for public protection, Cllr Philip Hughes said: “The evidence clearly shows that there was a significant amount of disturbance caused by the barking throughout the day and night. The noise levels were consistent and totally unacceptable causing a lot of stress for the residents. This court case could have been avoided had Mr and Mrs Thomson taken appropriate action to keep their dogs barking under control as advised.”

Crime

Driver jailed after crashing into house and fleeing scene

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A PEMBROKESHIRE man who crashed into a house after destroying a garden wall before fleeing the scene has been jailed.

Oliver Torkington, 39, from Tenby, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on January 22, where he pleaded guilty to multiple motoring offences, including careless driving, failing to stop after an accident, failing to report an accident, and driving without insurance.

The court heard that on July 14, 2024, Torkington was driving a Seat Leon on the A470 at Talerddig, Powys, when he failed to negotiate a right-hand bend. His vehicle ploughed through a stone garden wall before colliding with the corner of a house, causing significant structural damage. The impact resulted in cracks extending from the exterior walls into the interior of the property, leaving the homeowner with extensive repair costs and safety concerns.

Rather than stopping to assess the damage or exchange details, Torkington drove away from the scene. He also failed to report the accident to the police within the required 24-hour period. Investigators later traced the vehicle back to him, leading to his arrest.

During sentencing, the court was told that Torkington was uninsured at the time of the crash.

Magistrates handed him a nine-week custodial sentence, citing the seriousness of his offences and his disregard for the law. In addition to his prison term, he was ordered to pay £110 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

He also had 10 points added to his driving licence, which will significantly impact his ability to drive legally upon release.

Torkington, who is currently serving a separate sentence at HMP Parc for a violent assault, was also warned about the potential consequences of further driving offences upon his release.

Approximately four months ago, he was convicted of a serious attack against his former partner in St Clears. During the assault, he punched, strangled, and stamped on the woman in a fit of jealous rage after seeing her speaking to a doorman during a night out. The victim suffered a broken finger and continues to experience ringing in her ear as a lasting impact from the attack. During sentencing for that offence, the judge criticised his behaviour, describing it as immature and reckless.

Magistrates stressed the importance of road safety and accountability, particularly in cases involving dangerous driving and damage to property.

The case highlights the severe penalties for drivers who fail to take responsibility for their actions on the road and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of driving with care and proper insurance.

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Community

Is enough being done to tackle fly-grazing?

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A PEMBROKESHIRE road was closed after horses were running loose during rush hour yesterday (Wednesday, February 12), raising further concerns over the ongoing problem of fly-grazing in the county.

The incident occurred on the A477 near Nash Fingerpost junction at 8:50am. The road was shut while the horses were removed.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of two horses loose on the A477 near to Nash Fingerpost junction at around 8:50am yesterday (February 12). The horses were safely moved from the road.”

This latest disruption comes as Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed-Powys Police continue their efforts to tackle the growing problem of horses being left on public land and highways. Known as fly-grazing, the issue has been causing increasing safety concerns and public disruption across the county.

Authorities launched a joint initiative over the Christmas period, aiming to combat the issue through a coordinated operational effort. However, with roads still being closed due to roaming horses, many are questioning whether enough is being done to address the problem effectively.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of managing fly-grazing incidents and ensuring public safety.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any concerns about fly-grazing by contacting [email protected] or calling 01437 764551.

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Crime

Carmarthen man sentenced for offences under Malicious Communications Act

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MATTHEW THOMAS, 47, from Carmarthen, appeared at Llanelli Magistrates Court today (Thursday, February 13, 2025) where he was handed a 16-week custodial sentence following an investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing Wales.

Thomas, who pleaded guilty to two offences under the Malicious Communications Act, was given an 8-week custodial sentence for each charge and will be subject to a 12-month probation.

Reporting won’t ruin lives, but it could save them. Action Counters Terrorism. Remember, in an emergency, always dial 999.

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