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Crime

Dock businessman denies dealing cocaine outside nightclub

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A PEMBROKE DOCK businessman has appeared before magistrates charged with possessing 16 wraps of cocaine outside a nightclub in Pembroke, with intent to supply it to others.

James Balkwill, 32, of Coppins, Pembroke Dock is further accused of possessing criminal property, amounting to over £1,500 in cash.

This week Balkwill appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates where he submitted not guilty pleas to both offences. He admitted a third charge of possessing 441 testosterone tablets, which is a Class C drug.

Crown Prosecutor Kelly Rivers informed magistrates that officers were on duty outside the One nightclub Pembroke on the night of September 24 where they allege that Balkwill got out of a Mercedes car.

“CCTV footage then showed him getting inside a black BMW,” she said. “A person approached the [car] window and officers asked if they could search the Mercedes, but Balkwill was unwilling and took off on foot.”

The Crown alleges that when the Mercedes was subsequently searched by officers, they discovered 16 wraps of cocaine together with £800 in cash which they found clipped inside the sun visor.

The Crown claims that further search of his home revealed 441 testosterone tablets and an additional £700 in cash.

Ms Rivers said that during a police interview Balkwill, who owns a local fishing shop, claimed the drugs were for his own personal use.

After considering the facts, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the matter to Swansea Crown Court.

Trial proceedings against Balkwill will commence on March 1. The defendant was released on unconditional bail.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

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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.”

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Crime

Sex offender jailed for breaching court order

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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.

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Crime

Police renew appeal to find Darren Markes from Pembroke Dock

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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:

You can also provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers:

Please quote reference number 24*944729 when providing information.

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