Crime

Neyland man jailed for assault and criminal damage in alcohol-fuelled attack

Published

12 months ago

January 2, 2024

GRAHAM POTTER, 41, of Picton Road in Neyland, labelled a “nasty bully” by Judge Paul Thomas, has been sentenced to 18 weeks in prison for assault and an additional six weeks for criminal damage following an incident on November 23.

Potter appeared at Swansea Crown Court, facing charges related to an altercation with a woman in Neyland. While he denied the strangulation charge, he admitted assault by beating and causing criminal damage, with these pleas being accepted by the prosecution.

The court heard that the incident unfolded as Potter became verbally abusive towards the victim before turning violent. Although he put his hand under the woman’s chin, causing her lip to bleed, the strangulation charge was not upheld as it did not impact her breathing, and she was able to free herself.

Prosecutor James Hartson detailed the confrontation, explaining that after the initial assault, Potter and the victim engaged in a scuffle, resulting in scratches. The violence escalated as Potter smashed the victim’s television and a chair when she left the living room.

When the police were called, Potter admitted to the incident but claimed the victim was the one who “kicked off.” The victim, in a statement read to the court, expressed her disbelief in Potter’s ability to change his ways, describing the two sides to his personality.

Potter had two previous convictions for battery and one for criminal damage against the same victim, along with two jail sentences for breaching domestic violence protection orders.

In his defence, David Singh acknowledged the incident was fuelled by alcohol and that both parties had consumed alcohol. However, Judge Thomas interjected, criticising Potter for complaining about injuries he sustained during the incident, stating, “A woman fought back – how dare she.”

Judge Thomas, addressing Potter directly, remarked, “You, Mr. Potter, are a nasty bully. You assault women when you get drunk.” He cautioned Potter to control his drinking and temper, warning that continued offences would result in longer prison sentences.

Consequently, Potter was sentenced to 18 weeks for assault, an additional six weeks for criminal damage, and was issued a two-year restraining order. A not guilty verdict was entered on the strangulation charge.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

15 hours 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

1 day 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

1 day 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: