News
Serial rogue trader and fly tipper prosecuted
A ROGUE trader has started a prison sentence of 19 months after admitting a series of charges following a prosecution by Pembrokeshire County Council Trading Standards, Public Protection Division.
Ashley Price pleaded guilty to 16 charges and appeared before Swansea Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, November 25.
The catalogue of offences, dating from February 2019 to January 2022, included theft, fraud, fly-tipping incidents and multiple counts under consumer protection legislation.
The investigation also involved officers from Dyfed-Powys Police and the Waste Management Team of Pembrokeshire County Council.
The court was told that Price, of Waterston Road, Milford Haven, took money from some customers and did not complete work; carried out poor work at other homes and refused refunds; failed to provide paper work and routinely gave false information.
As well as regularly changing the name of his business he often gave his name as Andrew Price.
The first victim was a woman who paid Price – trading as Coast & Country Property Maintenance – £1,100 to replace guttering and soffits.
Price took the money but failed to return to do the work and could not be contacted. Trading Standards officers initially tried to contact Price to provide business advice but he failed to attend an arranged meeting.
Another couple from Carmarthenshire engaged Price trading as New Look Roofing to carry out work on their leaking roof and paid £1000. But it soon became obvious that the work was substandard as some of the plastic boards he had fitted began to fall off the next day. A refund was demanded.
Price claimed at one point someone had been impersonating him despite the victim clearly recognising him as the person who had carried out the work.
The couple were promised a refund of £600 but this never materialised.
In October 2020 police officers received a report of a significant fly-tipping incident in Herbrandston, where a bathroom suite had been dumped.
An address label led police to a couple in Milford Haven who said a man had done some work for them and removed the items for £100. Price was linked to the crime by a flyer he gave the couple for New Look Roofing.
In January 2021 trading as New Look Landscapes, Price cold called at a property in Haverfordwest and agreed to cut down a tree and repair a porch roof for a man. The repair was later found to be substandard. Whilst at the property Price also offered to replace the front door and door frame for £1000. The money was paid but Price never returned.
The same month trading as A & C Roof Care Price cold called at two properties in Narberth and carried out roof repairs. He failed to give paperwork including the statutory cancellation notice.
Most recent charges relate to an elderly vulnerable man who was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease who had engaged Price to carry out work on a chimney and replace a garage door in September 2021.
Work was started to take part of the chimney down but not completed despite multiple transfers of several hundred pounds to Price.
Price never handed over any paperwork which was believed to have been a deliberate tactic to confuse an elderly and vulnerable man.
In January 2022 the victim was approached again and had some roof tiles replaced. He contacted the police and Price was arrested.
The court was also told about another fly-tipping incident that Price admitted.
In August 2021 a substantial amount of waste was dumped on land at Walwyn’s Castle and examination of the rubbish by officers from Pembrokeshire County Council Waste Management found details of a business in Cardigan.
The business was contacted and it was confirmed Price had attended to remove the waste.
In mitigation Price’s barrister informed the court was told that Price had no disqualifications and that the offences were committed whilst Price was in a previous relationship when he was using cocaine.
His barrister went onto say that Price was now in a settled relationship and had a young baby.
Price was sentenced to 19 months in prison and will serve at least half of that time. The Court also made a Deprivation Order in respect of the van seized from Price.
Cllr Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, paid tribute to the joint working between Pembrokeshire County Council departments and Dyfed-Powys Police.
“This goes to show that no matter how complex the cases, we will continue to investigate rogue traders alongside partners and take them to court.
“Crimes such as those Ashley Price committed have a real impact on the victims who are left to pick up the pieces of shoddy work or left out of pocket when he failed to turn up to do the work he promised.
“Fly-tipping also has a major impact on our communities, blighting our countryside and beauty spots and costing the Council and therefore Council Tax payers to clear away.
“I hope this case acts as a warning to others who would act in the same way.”
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
-
Crime1 day ago
Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images
-
News8 hours ago
Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19
-
News7 hours ago
Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar
-
Business5 days ago
Largest Welsh port appoints communications and marketing director
-
Business1 day ago
Lidl GB eyes Pembroke Dock for new larger supermarket
-
Crime6 days ago
All three school stabbing victims discharged from hospital, police confirm
-
News1 day ago
Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson
-
News6 hours ago
Councillors block Milford Haven boxing event – promoter to appeal