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Crime

Solva couple fined nearly £5,000 for unlicensed hydroelectric power scheme

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A COUPLE from Pembrokeshire, Carl Platel and Helen Platel, have been ordered to pay a combined total of almost £5,000 after diverting water from rivers to operate their unlicensed hydroelectric turbine. The Platel couple set up the hydroelectric generation scheme on their land near Bridgend, extracting water from three sources at Gilfach Orfydd and the Cwm Dimbath.

Prosecutor Jon Tarrant revealed in court that one of the water sources was aided by a homemade weir constructed from stone and waterproof tarpaulin, which raised the water level to facilitate extraction. However, such activities require a license from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), costing £375, to protect the environment and ensure the safety and viability of the hydropower scheme.

The defendants’ scheme came to the attention of NRW in 2009, leading to a warning issued in August of that year. Despite this, in 2016, an application for a license was submitted. When NRW visited the site again and discovered the turbine operating, the defendants were reminded that it should not be in operation until the application was approved. Ultimately, the application was withdrawn in August 2016.

Subsequent visits by NRW in 2017 confirmed that the turbine was still operational. During the following three visits, spanning from 2017 to August 2018, the turbine remained unused. At that time, NRW informed the defendants that they would not face legal action for the historical breaches but warned that future operation without the relevant license would result in prosecution.

In 2020, NRW visited the farm once more. Although access to the building was not possible, the audible operation of the turbine indicated that it was still active. When NRW returned on October 22 of the same year, the turbine was found to be operational once again.

Prosecutor Jon Tarrant emphasized the importance of regulating such activities, stating, “There are reasons why this is a regulated activity. The parties were aware of the requirement for a license from the outset. It’s not accepted that this was in operation for purely altruistic reasons. There was a benefit.”

While it was agreed by both parties that no environmental damage had occurred, defense lawyer Christian Jowett argued that the defendants had not financially benefited from the hydropower scheme except for the £375 license fee. Jowett highlighted that the defendants had pleaded guilty to the offenses in September 2021 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, but the proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) had caused significant costs and stress over the past 18 months, amounting to £61,000 in legal fees.

Jowett acknowledged the history of warnings and stated that the couple’s motivation was centered around sustainable generation. He read a statement from Mr. Platel expressing deep regret and acknowledging that their passion for the scheme had blinded them to the necessity of obtaining a license.

One of the hydroelectric power schemes is now fully licensed, while the other is awaiting approval of its license, Mr. Jowett informed the court.

During the POCA proceedings, NRW initially sought a benefit figure of £102,000 but later reduced it to £90,000, including the cost of the license fee.

For the offense of abstracting water without a license between September 10, 2019, and October 22, 2020, the defendants were each fined £200. No additional penalty was imposed for causing or permitting the obstruction or impediment of inland waters without the required license during the same period.

Recorder Richard Kember ordered each defendant to pay £2,250 in costs, in addition to a £32 surcharge.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to licensing requirements and regulations surrounding sustainable energy projects, ensuring the protection of the environment and the safety of such initiatives.

Crime

Robbery at Milford Haven store: Man arrested after stealing vodka

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POLICE in Milford Haven have arrested a man following a robbery at the Pill Corner Store on Saturday afternoon (June 21).

Dyfed-Powys Police officers were called to the scene at approximately 3:20pm, responding swiftly to reports of a robbery involving violence.

A male suspect was reported to have used force to steal a bottle of vodka from the premises, prompting immediate police action.

Following inquiries, police arrested a 29-year-old Milford Haven man on suspicion of robbery. He remains in custody as investigations continue.

This incident comes just over a month after a knife-point robbery at the same location. On May 17, around 10am, a masked man entered the Pill Corner Store brandishing a Stanley knife and demanded approximately £50 from the till. The perpetrator fled towards Beech Hill and remains unidentified despite appeals for witnesses.

Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed either incident or who has any further information to come forward to assist with their inquiries.

Members of the public can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online through their website at https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Police have emphasised that all information provided by the public will be treated in strict confidence.

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Crime

Police block Brechfa rave as hundreds descend on remote woodland

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Officers issue dispersal order after overnight ‘well-organised’ gathering in Carmarthenshire countryside

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have intervened to shut down a large illegal rave after hundreds of people descended on a remote part of the Brechfa Forest area overnight.

The gathering, described as “well underway” when officers arrived late on Saturday night (June 21), involved a significant number of people and vehicles, prompting a swift tactical response from police under Section 63 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. The legislation allows police to prevent more people joining an unauthorised music event and to seize sound equipment where necessary.

A spokesperson said officers made the decision not to immediately disperse the crowd due to the scale and potential safety risks, instead focusing efforts on blocking further access to the site and containing the disruption.

A number of vehicles and attendees remained at the location into Saturday afternoon, but police say the crowd is now dispersing. Officers remain on scene and will continue their presence “until the area returns to normal.”

T/Superintendent Shaun Bowen said the illegal rave had caused “considerable anxiety and distress” to the local community.

He told The Herald: “This type of event causes disruption to those wanting to use the area appropriately, harms the environment and disturbs wildlife, which is why we act swiftly to shut them down.

“There is little doubt that these types of events are very well planned, organised, and that local knowledge is important in drawing down the main group to a particular field or area of land.”

Officers from neighbourhood policing and prevention teams are liaising with residents and partner agencies affected by the gathering, which is believed to have begun under cover of darkness on Friday night and continued into the morning.

One local resident told The Herald: “We could hear the bass thumping in the early hours. It’s not just the noise – it’s the disruption, the mess, and the worry about livestock and damage to the woodland.”

Police have urged anyone considering travelling to the area to think again, warning that they will be turned away on arrival.

T/Supt Bowen added: “We understand the strength of feelings in respect of this – both from those living in the area and from those wanting to attend who are seemingly unaware of the disruption these events cause.

“We ask you not travel to the area with the intention of joining a rave, as officers are there and you will be turned away.”

The Herald understands that investigations into potential criminal offences are ongoing. Officers are examining drone footage, dashcams, and local CCTV to identify organisers and possible offences under public order and environmental laws.

Police have not confirmed whether any arrests have yet been made.

Unwelcome noise: Police say raves like this one in Brechfa cause distress to communities and damage to the environment (Pic: Rave in Brechfa in 2018).

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Crime

Milford Haven woman and inmate to appear in court following drugs raid

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Police seized cocaine, cannabis and £2,470 in cash at Howarth Close

A WOMAN from Milford Haven and a man currently serving time at Swansea Prison are due to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (June 23) charged in connection with a drugs raid at a suspected crack den in Howarth Close.

Joanna John, aged 46, of Howarth Close, faces three charges: being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis between August 29 and October 9, 2024, and possession of 0.259 grams of crack cocaine found at her property during a raid on October 8 last year.

Her co-defendant, Kaleb Thomas, aged 20, currently in Swansea Prison, is charged with possession of 167.26 grams of cannabis with intent to supply, possession of £2,470 in suspected criminal property, and possession of 1.62 grams of crack cocaine. He also faces a further charge of being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

The case relates to a targeted operation by Dyfed-Powys Police, during which officers raided John’s address and recovered quantities of class A and B drugs, along with a substantial amount of cash.

Both defendants are scheduled to enter pleas during Monday’s hearing. Due to the nature of the charges, the case may be committed to Crown Court for trial or sentencing.

The Herald will provide further updates following the hearing.

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