News

A “spiteful” burglar who targeted the home of a bride knowing she would be at her wedding has been jailed.

Published

11 years ago

October 22, 2013

Ceri Davies, 26, broke into Annwen Bell’s home as she was marrying her long term partner Jonathan.
Davies “trashed” the house after learning that his mother, Jill, had not been invited to the wedding.
Annwen Bell’s father had left home two years earlier and formed a relationship with Davies’ mother.
As Annwen and Jonathan planned their wedding it was decided not to invite Jill Davies “to keep the peace”.
They invited her father but Annwen refused to allow him to give her away.
Janet Gedrych, prosecuting, told Swansea crown court how Davies broke into the couple’s home at Maes Gwyn, Llanfair Clydogau, west Wales, on the afternoon of May 25 knowing that the couple were due to be married at 3pm and to then enjoy a reception in the seaside village of Aberaeron 20 miles away.
“It was motivated by malice,” she added. “It was targeted to that house due to the relationships between the parties
“Annwen had taken her mother’s side and there was ill feeling between the two sides.”
Davies caused Ł5,500 worth of damage, slashing furniture with a knife, leaving on water taps in a bathroom and the kitchen to cause flooding and using a hammer to leave imprints on computers, televisions and kitchen work surfaces.
He also stole Ł295 in cash, a 20 euro note and even the cards of congratulations for the marriage.
But, said Miss Gedrych, two men carrying out an archaeology study nearby heard the sound of breaking glass and challenged Davies.
They saw him leaving the property with a carrier bag and followed him.
They called the police who continued the chase until Davies threw away the bag and ran across a field.
But he was caught by police and arrested.
Miss Gedrych said police had to approach the couple at their reception that evening and explain that their home had been burgled and trashed.
In a victim impact statement, Jonathan Bell said, “Annwen invited her father to the wedding but she was not willing for him to give her away.
“It was such a special day and we cannot remember that day as we should.
“Gifts from her grandparents were broken. It does not feel like a home anymore.”
Jill Davies was also arrested after police became aware that her car had been in the area at the time. But she said she had given her son a lift so he could go for a walk and had no idea a burglary would be carried out. She was not charged with any offence.
Davies, of Room 2, 4 Albert Place, Aberystwyth, admitted burglary and causing criminal damage. He was jailed for three years and four months.
Davies’ barrister, Victoria Thomas, said Davies was addicted to cannabis at the time.
“That does not take away the pain that was caused to the couple. It was their wedding day.
“His mother accepts that what he did was terrible. She is ashamed at what he has done.
“He ruined their wedding day,” added Miss Thomas.
She said he turned on water taps in the hope of washing away any DNA evidence.
Judge Paul Thomas told Davies, “Any house burglary is taken very seriously by the courts. It usually causes psychological and emotional harm.
“In any way this was a particularly spiteful burglary. It was a revenge attack.”
Davies, he added, had set out to cause as much harm as he could to a woman on the most important day of her life.
“It was a simple dispute. Because of the wedding your mother had not been invited. It happens at weddings week in, week out.
“But you decided not only to burgle their home but to wreck it. You vindictively trashed their home.
“You made as sure as you could that they would come back and they would face a scene of heartbreaking devastation.”
Judge Thomas said Davies had a record for arson and criminal damage and “seemed to get a kick” out of destroying other people’s property and the pain it caused them.

Education

Pupils wear wellies to back farmers: Council says schools can’t promote protest

Published

2 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Jon Coles

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has denied trying to stop pupils from wearing Wellington boots to school in support of local farmers.

However, following a request, the Council refused to promote the wearing of the boots on its website or to allow schools to do so on theirs.

The Council communicated its decision on Monday, November 18, ahead of the national farmers’ protest in London on Tuesday, November 19.

Regardless, pupils across Pembrokeshire wore Wellington boots to school on Tuesday to show their support.

At Ysgol Bro Preseli many pupils had wellies on, and three older pupils reportedly drove to school in tractors.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “The Education Act 1996 clearly prohibits practitioners from promoting partisan political views, and therefore, our schools are not permitted to promote the farmers’ protest taking place in London today.”

Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch said: “It’s is very upsetting to learn that Pembrokeshire County Council has pressured all schools across Pembrokeshire to withdraw their communications to parents and guardians, showing support to farmers regarding wellies day.

“Farmers are the cornerstone of our country. If there are no farmers, there is no food. If there is no food, there is no way to survive, meaning no Future. It really is as simple as that. Farmers deserve to be recognised.”

A local farmer was unimpressed: “Of course, Pembrokeshire County Council would roll over for their Labour paymasters in London.

“They’ve been rolling over for Labour in Cardiff Bay for years.

“It’s as if the Council doesn’t understand just how important agriculture is to the county’s economy, our identity, and our culture.

“Regardless of your political persuasion, a serious threat looms over the industry, and a show of solidarity would’ve been gratefully received by Pembrokeshire’s farmers.”

Another said: “The support for farmers is wide-ranging, and we owe much to those in London exercising their democratic right to represent rural Britain.

“It felt like a real community in London, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

“Even Londoners supported the farmers and loved the good-natured atmosphere: they said it was so much different than the usual protests they have there.”

(Image: File)

News

Dog-free zones suggested to make outdoor spaces ‘anti-racist,’ Welsh government told

Published

2 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Staff Writer

DOG-FREE zones in local green spaces have been suggested as a way to create more inclusive and “anti-racist” outdoor environments in Wales, according to a report submitted to the Welsh government.

The recommendation comes from Climate Cymru BAME, a group advocating for the integration of anti-racist principles into environmental and public space policies. This is part of the Welsh government’s Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan, which aims to eradicate racism by 2030 and transform public life across the nation.

The report, submitted on November 6, lacks detailed explanations on how dog-free zones would address racism or promote inclusion. However, findings by the North Wales Africa Society, which works alongside Climate Cymru BAME, highlighted safety concerns in parks among Black African women.

One respondent shared fears of potential attacks, saying they felt unsafe in the presence of dogs.

The Welsh government launched its anti-racism strategy in 2022, incorporating climate change, rural affairs, and the environment into its scope. The plan draws on perspectives from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) communities across Wales. Census data shows the BAME population in Wales increased from 4.4% in 2011 to 6.2% in 2021.

In addition to dog-free zones, the report proposes increasing minority ethnic representation in environmental volunteering and improving communication strategies to connect BAME communities with local initiatives.

The recommendations have sparked criticism from opposition parties. Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies called the proposals “divisive nonsense,” adding:
“Labour’s so-called ‘Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan’ is outdated and irrelevant. It’s time for a fresh approach.”

A Welsh government spokesperson defended the initiative, stating:
“We remain committed to creating an anti-racist nation by 2030. Our action plan is built on the principles of anti-racism and calls for zero tolerance of racial inequality.”

The government is reviewing submissions to ensure policies are inclusive across all sectors.

Community

Tenby girl Poppy Brown wins national bravery award for heart disease battle

Published

4 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A BRAVE four-year-old girl from Tenby, who has undergone ten life-saving operations since being diagnosed as a newborn with congenital heart disease, has been honoured by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

Poppy Brown received the BHF Young Heart Hero Award from Dr. Charmaine Griffiths, the charity’s CEO, at an event held at Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey.

The awards, now in their seventh year, celebrate inspirational children who have faced serious heart health challenges with courage or raised vital funds through extraordinary efforts.

Hosted by CBBC’s Dr. Dan and Dr. Raph Olaiya, the event treated Poppy and her family, along with other young award recipients, to a fun-filled day. Tours of the park and party activities sponsored by Claire’s added sparkle to the occasion.

Dr. Griffiths praised Poppy for her bravery and determination, saying: “Poppy is an incredible example of strength and resilience. Her story inspires everyone in our mission to fight heart disease.”

The family described the day as “truly special” and thanked the BHF for recognising Poppy’s journey and achievements.