Crime

Police officer headbutted in ambulance by son of injured man

Published

3 years ago

January 12, 2022

A ST FLORENCE man who head-butted and bit a police officer whilst inside an ambulance has been given a 16-week suspended prison sentence by Haverfordwest magistrates.

Dylan Hughes, 19, of St Florence, Tenby, admitted the charge of assault by beating on Pc James Meiring when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday.

The court was shown six minutes of distressing and graphic video coverage where Hughes was seen head-butting the officer twice and biting his head. Despite repeated attempts by the paramedics, an attending army officer and police officers to keep his behaviour in check, Hughes continued to spiral out of control. “Get the f*** off me, you pussy,” he was heard shouting at the officer. “You’re not f****** big enough. Put the f****** cuffs away. You’re a waste of time. I’m going to knock you out.”

Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker described the incident as ‘absolutely appalling’. “Bearing in mind the pandemic we’re going through, the behaviour in the ambulance that night was unacceptable,” she said.

Probation officer Julie Norman went on to say that every emergency worker present in the ambulance that evening feared for their personal safety. “The paramedics, the army officer and the police officers all feared for their safety that night as a result of Hughes’ actions.”

The offence took place in Johnston on December 18 after Hughes had attended a works-do with colleagues during which he’d drunk ten pints of lager. His father, who was present in court, had fallen outside a pub and sustained what his solicitor, Tom Lloyd, described as ‘an awful head injury’ which required the services of an ambulance. Once inside the ambulance however, Hughes’ behaviour went out of control. Despite on-going efforts by emergency workers to calm him down he began threatening the officer and his threats turned to reality when he began head-butting Pc Meiring.

“His behaviour was absolutely disgraceful and unacceptable,” said defence solicitor Tom Lloyd. “He’s let himself down tremendously. I’m not making any bones about it; my client knows it’s either custody immediately or custody suspended. That’s the severity of the case.”

Mr Lloyd went on to say that having spent a considerable length of time with the defendant following the offence, prison would not be a suitable place for Hughes. “He’s genuinely sorry and knows he’ll never come to court again. Impose whatever you feel fit in the circumstances. My client will take anything you think he deserves.”

In addition to his 16-week prison sentence suspended for two years, Hughes was ordered to pay £300 compensation to the injured police officer, £85 costs and a £128 surcharge. He has also been ordered to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work.

Imposing sentence, presiding magistrate Mr David Ellis described the video as ‘absolutely shocking’. “The emergency workers were all trying to help your father and for all these reasons, we think this (offence) crosses the custody threshold. You say you’re very embarrassed and ashamed, and so you should be.”

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”

Crime

Sex offender jailed for breaching court order

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Court Reporter

A SEX offender from Wolfscastle has been jailed after using fake names on WhatsApp and attempting to access a social media app, breaching his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

Luke Rogers, 38, was sentenced to 10 months in prison at Swansea Crown Court after pleading guilty to two breaches of the order, which was imposed following his 2020 conviction for sexual activity with a child.

Under the SHPO, Rogers was prohibited from using unregistered internet-enabled devices or creating online profiles under false names. Prosecutor Ryan Bowen told the court that police monitoring software installed on Rogers’ phone detected activity in group chats under three aliases last November.

Further investigation revealed Rogers had also searched for the MeetMe app on four occasions and admitted using it. Rogers, described by Mr. Bowen as “apologetic,” was arrested, and his phone was seized.

The court heard Rogers has a history of 17 convictions for 35 offences, including breaching court orders and failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements.

Defence barrister Olivia Rose said Rogers had cooperated fully with police and expressed a desire to change. She argued that his breaches stemmed from a misunderstanding about permitted names and emphasized his efforts to seek support.

Despite these mitigating factors, Judge Catherine Richards noted Rogers’ pattern of reoffending and stated: “The reality is I can only pass an immediate custodial sentence.”

She expressed hope that Rogers would take advantage of post-sentence supervision to break the cycle of offending.

Crime

Police renew appeal to find Darren Markes from Pembroke Dock

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

POLICE in Pembrokeshire are renewing their appeal for information to locate Darren Markes, 46, from Pembroke Dock. He is wanted in connection with a domestic assault.

Markes is believed to have links to the Portsmouth and Sussex areas.

If you have seen Darren Markes or have any information about his whereabouts, please contact the police through one of the following methods: