Crime

Dock man sentenced for breaking police officer’s watch

Published

4 months ago

January 23, 2024

A PEMBROKE DOCK man has appeared before magistrates after admitting breaking a police officer’s wristwatch as he was being loaded into a custody van.

Richard John was arrested soon after 8pm on May 21, 2023, after he began following an unknown male through the streets of Pembroke Dock.

“The defendant began following the victim down the street, calling him a nonce,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“[The victim] became concerned and he phoned the police.”

But following the officers’ arrival, John’s verbal attacks and abusive behaviour continued.

“He was warned by the officers and told to move away, but he continued,” said Ms Vaughan.

“He was arrested and put into a police van but as one of the officer’s was attempting to get him in, the defendant damaged the officer’s watch.”

Ms Vaughan said that during the tussle, the strap of the officer’s Suunto Spartan Ultra wristwatch was broken as well as one of its side buttons, which resulted in the watch being unworkable. The cost of repairing the watch totalled £169.

John, 40, of Pennar, Pembroke Dock, appeared before magistrates via a video link from Swansea prison where he is currently on remand for an unrelated offence.

He pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage and an additional charge of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. He was legally represented by Mr Tom Lloyd.

“My client was heavily intoxicated that night and has little recollection of what took place,” he said.

“He regrets what took place but he was drinking alcohol very heavily at that time as he didn’t have regular accommodation. Since he’s been in prison, he’s been seeking help for his mental health but also for his long-term usage of alcohol.”

Richard John was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge. He was also ordered to pay £169 compensation for the damage caused to the officer’s wristwatch.

Crime

Former Pembroke Dock mayor admits child abuse image charges

Published

29 mins ago

May 10, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AT Swansea Crown Court on Friday (May 10), former Pembroke Dock Mayor Terry Judkins has pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children.

Judkins, who held office as mayor from May 2021 until his resignation in November 2021, faced multiple charges related to child abuse images.

The court heard that Judkins was charged with creating two Category C indecent images of children and possessing a prohibited image of a child during a period spanning from September 27, 2018, to August 5, 2021.

The 55-year-old admitted to these offences in a hearing that has drawn considerable attention.

However, Judkins denied charges related to possessing extreme pornographic images that depicted bestiality, covering a timeline from January 2010 to August 2021.

Prosecutor Helen Randall indicated that the Crown would pursue a trial on these allegations given Judkins’ not guilty plea.

Additional charges against Judkins include making 52 Category A indecent images of children within the same dates as his earlier admissions.

The former mayor has been granted extra time to consider his plea on this charge, with a future court appearance scheduled for a later date.

This case has cast a shadow over Judkins’ brief tenure as mayor. He resigned last year citing personal reasons and extra work commitments.

Crime

Re-elected Crime Commissioner embarks on new term in office

Published

9 hours ago

May 10, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RE-ELECTED Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Dafydd Llywelyn begun his new term in office this week with a series of key meetings aimed at shaping his strategic vision for the region’s policing priorities over the next four years.

The Commissioner’s first official day was Thursday 9^th of May, and saw key discussions taking place, beginning with a meeting with the Chief Constable to gain an update from Dyfed-Powys Police on operational matters, and also to outline his vision and priorities for the new term in Office.

In addition, the Commissioner met with staff from his Office for discussions on the development of a new Police and Crime Plan for Dyfed-Powys for 2025-2029. The Police and Crime Plan will be the strategic blueprint that will represent the Commissioner’s vision and priorities, further reinforcing his dedication to delivering effective and efficient policing services tailored to the needs and expectations of our diverse communities.

In coming weeks, the Commissioner’s Office will launch a public consultation on the new Police and Crime Plan, whereby the public will have an opportunity to have their say on policing and crime matters in their area. Online questionnaires and focus groups will form part of the consultation, to ensure that the Office provides plenty of opportunities for communities to have their say.

Reflecting on his ambitions for the upcoming term, Mr Llywelyn expressed that his focus will be on improving public confidence and trust in policing: “I am honoured to be re-elected as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys for my third successive term.

“As I start this new term in Office, I am committed to build on the achievements to date and address the challenges that lie ahead.

“My vision is clear: to develop safer communities for all through proactive crime prevention and ensuring a justice system that is both fair and efficient.

“I will work in collaboration with the Force and other criminal agency partners to ensure transparency and accountability, to ensure that we can we work collectively to improve public trust and confidence in policing.

“Your safety will continue to be my top priority. I want to ensure that the Dyfed Powys Police area remains one of the safest places to live in Wales and England”.

Crime

Haverfordwest man faces drug charges in Crown Court

Published

1 day ago

May 9, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A 23-YEAR-OLD man from Haverfordwest has been formally charged with multiple drug-related offences, including the possession and intent to supply cocaine, MDMA, and cannabis. Owen Maddocks, residing at Hywel Road, will soon make a court appearance at Swansea Crown Court to respond to the charges.

Maddocks stands accused of possessing cocaine with intent to supply on April 5 and similarly for MDMA on June 15 of the previous year. On the same dates, he also allegedly intended to supply cannabis, leading to additional charges.

Furthermore, the allegations against Maddocks include the possession of criminal property, specifically £4,905 in cash, which was seized on June 15.

After appearing at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on May 3, Maddocks was granted bail. He is scheduled to appear at Swansea Crown Court on May 10, where he will enter his pleas.