News

Planned campaign ends in jail for brothers

Published

10 years ago

August 5, 2014

TWO PROFESSIONAL burglars who broke into houses across west Wales have been jailed. Brothers William Connors, 24, and Edward Connors, aged 17 at the time, researched properties over the internet and drew up a menu of houses to break into. Then they based themselves in a rented house near Llandysul and fitted a Mazda with false number plates before burgling at least 16 homes over the Christmas period. Swansea crown court heard that they targeted jewellery and stole the engagement ring of a widow undergoing chemotherapy treatment. And there was evidence, said Chris James, prosecuting, that they had researched prices for second hand gold at London’s Hatton Garden. Mr James said the brothers had travelled from Ireland posing as holidaymakers looking to enjoy Christmas in west Wales. “They caused misery to many individuals and families, violating their homes around what should have been a joyous time of year. “They stole a huge amount of valuable jewellery, much which belonged to late relatives, DVDs, and electrical property. “One of their victims, a widow having chemotherapy, can no longer bear to leave her house because of their intrusion into her home,” he added. Mr James said the pair were so confident of making a profit that they paid hundreds of pounds up front to rent a house in the countryside near Llandysul. In less than one month they burgled houses in Llandybie, Llandysul, Aberaeron, Haverfordwest, Nantycaws Pontyberem and Llangunnor. Mr James said they sometimes committed several burglaries a day, ransacking homes even on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. They were finally arrested in Tregaron. Mr James said their victims described being devastated and their worlds having been turned upside down. “Some of them are terrified and do not feel safe in their own homes any more. “Several of their victims told police that they will never get over not being able to hand sentimental items on to their children.” The stolen goods that could be identified were worth more than £24,000, but Mr James described the figure as being “no where near the full value of what was taken.” Judge Paul Thomas said the brothers had carried out a “carefully planned campaign”. He said they had used the internet to scope out properties and places they could sell the stolen jewellery on to. “Apart from the financial impact, the human cost to your victims is substantial. People’s lives have been greatly affected and lives turned upside down.” William Connors, who had previous convictions, was jailed for six years. His brother was sent to a young offenders’ institution for three-and-a-half years. Both admitted conspiracy to commit burglary and were entitled to reduced sentences because of their confessions.

Crime

Neighbourhood Watch director questioned over blue lights use claim

Published

7 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

7 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

7 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.