News
Dock drug dealer ‘thinks he could charm his way out of any situation’ – Judge
ZAMURD HUSSAIN, a Pembroke Dock drug dealer who profited £15,000 from the sale of cannabis, has been ordered to repay a mere £1.
In January, Hussain, 40, was convicted at Swansea Crown Court for possessing cannabis with intent to supply and for involvement in the distribution of cannabis. Officers had intercepted a vehicle travelling through Monkton with Hussain as a passenger. On interaction, officers detected a strong scent of cannabis. Hussain swiftly discarded a black bag from the vehicle, later found to be filled with a significant quantity of cannabis.
Furthermore, Hussain faced conviction for possessing £1,500 in what was deemed as criminal earnings. Originally from Ramsden Court in Monkton, he received a 21-month suspended sentence, which was deferred for 18 months, on February 13.
The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) instigated proceedings to recover the funds Hussain accumulated from his illicit drug sales. Although there was consensus on Hussain’s £15,000 profit, there was contention regarding the ownership of the £1,500 seized — whether it belonged to him or his sister. Prosecutor Alycia Carpanini clarified to the court that the said amount was indeed Hussain’s sister’s property. Thus, the total sum eligible for confiscation from Hussain was set at a symbolic £1.
Additionally, Hussain faced allegations of missing mandatory appointments linked to his suspended sentence, specifically on March 28 and April 4. He refuted these claims. Defence counsel Hannah George presented Hussain’s stance: he claimed not to have received prior notice for the initial appointment due to a recent change of address and had an understanding with his probation officer to substitute the subsequent appointment with extra work hours. This claim was disputed by his probation officer during her testimony.
Complicating matters, Hussain later produced a retrospective sick note for the absences. Weighing the conflicting narratives, Judge Paul Thomas remarked it was a matter of credibility.
Judge Thomas expressed his scepticism, stating, “I don’t find Mr Hussain credible in the slightest. He’s consistently tried to circumvent the system he’s been subjected to. Despite the leeway granted, he’s manipulated it to his advantage. Evidently, he perceives himself as someone who can charm his way out of any situation. I remain unconvinced by his words.”
Consequently, Judge Thomas reinstated and executed Hussain’s previously suspended sentence, incarcerating him for 15 months.
Crime
Jailed for breaching domestic violence protection order
AMY Woolston, 20, of Vine Road, Johnston, Pembrokeshire, has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for breaching a domestic violence protection order.
On 15th May 2024, Woolston was found in the company of a man in a flat at The Farmers Arms, Market Street, Whitland, in violation of the order issued by Llanelli Magistrates Court on 10th May 2024.
The court deemed the offence serious due to the proximity to the original order and a previous breach involving the same victim. Woolston was not in custody and appeared unrepresented in court. Her total sentence length is 18 weeks.
The case was dealt with in Haverfordwest court on May 16.
News
Lease of former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse approved
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet has this week approved the transfer of the former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council.
The Cabinet approved a 21-year lease which will facilitate the Town Council’s plan to bring the premises back into use.
The future of the former Courthouse has been considered in detail, with the Town Council carrying out a public consultation on the community’s requirements, and the sites potential contribution to those local needs. The outcome of the consultation suggested that the local community wanted the building to be retained, refurbished and transformed into a multi- use centre.
Newcastle Emlyn Town Council intend to submit an application for funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF] in order to pay for the necessary restoration work. The funding is conditional upon the Town Council having a lease of sufficient term on the premises.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Alun Lenny commented: “The building as it currently stands is not needed for further use by the County Council and has been empty for some time. I welcome the Cabinet’s decision to approve the transfer of this asset to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council. The funding will ensure that the building is being used for the benefit of the town’s residents.
“This decision is in line with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Wellbeing Objectives: Enabling our communities and environment to be healthy, safe, and prosperous (Prosperous Communities).”
Crime
Teenagers fled from Pembroke RFC after setting spectators stand on fire
ON MONDAY (may 16) between the hours of 16:25 and 17:00, the spectators stand of Pembroke Rugby Football Club was deliberately set on fire, police have said.
Two males, aged between 17-19, fled from the club grounds immediately after the smoke plumes were noticed.
Both males were on dark framed push bikes and wearing dark coloured hooded jumpers.
Officers are asking if anyone who has any information or has witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area around these times, is asked to contact police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Quote reference: 24000446140
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
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