Crime

Young girls raped for over a decade

Published

2 years ago

September 26, 2022

Christopher James was convicted of 22 counts of child rape, sexual assault and indecency

A WEST WALES man subjected three young girls to a campaign of systematic sexual abuse spanning more than a decade. Christopher James repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted the children after moving to Wales from Worcestershire.

The 60-year-old was convicted at trial in Swansea Crown Court of 22 counts of indecent assault, indecency with a child, rape, attempted rape, sexual assault of a child under 13, rape of a child under 13, and attempted rape of a child under 13. Sending him to prison for a total of 21 year, a judge told the defendant that in the experience of the courts, offending of the kind committed by James had life-long impacts on victims.

Barrister Nicola Powell, for James, said while the defendant respects the processes of the court, he maintains he is innocent of all the charges. She asked the judge to bear in mind her client has a good side to his character, a submission supported by references from friends and family members.

Christopher James, now of Brynheulwen, Blaenannerch, Ceredigion, had previously been convicted at trial when he appeared in the dock for sentencing.

Geraint Walters told the defendant he had been convicted of “systematically abusing” three girls over a period of more than 10 years. Following the sentencing guidelines the judge sentenced James, who is originally from Stourport-on-Severn, to a total of 21 years in prison. The defendant will be a registered sex offender for the rest of his life.

Speaking after the hearing Dyfed-Powys Police senior investigating officer detective inspector Llyr Williams said: “James committed unthinkable crimes against young children so we welcome this sentence and hope it serves as a warning to anyone else who may be considering similar abuse. If you commit crimes such as these against vulnerable children we will make sure you are brought to justice.

“I would like to commend the victims in this case who have shown strength and bravery in coming forward and throughout the investigation and trial that James put them through. We hope that today’s sentence will give them some comfort and allow them to take steps to move on with their lives.

“This has been an extensive and exhaustive investigation that has taken more than two years to bring to court. I would like to thank the officers and support staff who have worked so hard, dealing with distressing matters, to bring James to justice.

“If you have been abused, please don’t suffer in silence. We will listen to you and support you through the investigation.”

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: