Crime
Lampeter businessman cleared of £148,000 theft from own company
AT SWANSEA CROWN COURT this week (Feb 9), Andrew Ling, 39, from Cysgod-Y-Coed, Cwmann, Lampeter, has been acquitted of allegations that he stole nearly £150,000 from Perpetual V2G Systems Ltd, a pioneering company he founded.
Mr. Ling faced charges of siphoning off £148,517.78 between March 30, 2016, and June 12, 2018, but steadfastly denied any wrongdoing.
Perpetual V2G Systems Ltd is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technology for 3.5t home delivery vehicles, which traditionally had to keep their engines running during deliveries to maintain refrigeration systems. This innovation allows for the engine to be turned off, significantly saving fuel costs and reducing carbon emissions. The company’s achievements had already positioned it for international recognition, with plans to pitch its patented carbon reduction systems to major stakeholders in the United States, signaling a massive opportunity for expansion and investment.
The prosecution, led by Jim Davis, contended that Ling illicitly transferred funds from the company’s current account to its reserves and subsequently into his personal account. Despite these accusations, Ling maintained his innocence throughout the investigation and trial, asserting he only took what was rightfully owed to him.
After deliberating for approximately three hours and 40 minutes, the jury reached a unanimous decision, finding Ling not guilty of theft by an employee. Recorder Owen-Casey, addressing Ling, declared, “The jury has found you not guilty. You are now free to go,” marking the end of a week-long trial.
The case shed light on the financial strains and personal sacrifices Ling endured while establishing Perpetual V2G Systems Ltd in 2013, including taking out personal loans to finance the company. Evidence presented in court highlighted Ling’s relentless dedication to his venture, working tirelessly to secure a patent in 2015 and launching the company into operation. Despite not drawing a salary until 2016, Ling believed the company owed him around £195,000 in total for his contributions.
Defence counsel Dyfed Thomas argued that Ling’s invoicing against the company for work he had completed was deemed lawful by an accountant, emphasising the transparency of the company’s accountancy software. The defence also countered claims that Ling was motivated by grievances over his lack of recognition within the company, suggesting instead that disputes over investment terms and subsequent boardroom conflicts led to his leaving the firm, and the dilution of his shares.
The trial revealed underlying tensions within the company, particularly concerning the terms of a second round of investment from Finance Wales, which precipitated a heated exchange between Ling and other board members. This confrontation ultimately led to scrutiny of Ling’s director’s loan account and his removal from the company he had worked so hard to build, a company on the brink of international expansion and innovation in the green technology sector.
Crime
Tenby charity shop manager stole funds and fled to Turkey
Lorraine Kucuk, the former manager of a Cancer Research UK shop in Tenby, was handed a 12-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to stealing over £5,000 intended for charity.
Swansea Crown Court heard this week that Kucuk misappropriated the funds to cover personal debts and finance social outings. Her actions came to light when discrepancies were detected in the shop’s financial records in early May 2017, revealing no bank deposits had been made for 22 consecutive days.
The prosecutor, Dean Pulling, explained that during this period, the shop had accrued £5,238.41 in takings, which Kucuk failed to deposit. When initially questioned, she claimed the deposits were made late. However, the subsequent day, she reported being sick and abruptly ceased coming to work.
Further investigation revealed a fabricated story about a flatmate who allegedly ran off with the money. Despite her pleas for time to repay the stolen funds and requests not to involve the police, she was arrested on May 15, 2017.
During her police interview, Kucuk admitted to taking the money, describing her actions as “borrowing” to manage her financial obligations and afford occasional leisure activities.
Among the debts were several parking fines. Initially indicating a guilty plea, she later fled to Turkey, avoiding her scheduled plea and sentencing hearing. Her absence extended over five years, attributed partly to an accident and expired passport, complicating her return.
Stuart John, defending, described Kucuk’s extended stay in Turkey as “somewhat of a purgatory.” He noted that she returned to the UK this year with assistance from friends and the British Embassy, expressing her genuine remorse and readiness to rectify her wrongs.
During the sentencing, Judge Huw Rees denounced the theft as particularly heinous given its impact on a charity. He stated, “There cannot be an example of more mean offending against a charity.” Despite her eventual return and admission of guilt, Judge Paul Thomas KC had previously sentenced her to 10 weeks in jail for breaching bail conditions, highlighting her deliberate escape to avoid facing the consequences of her actions.
In addition to her suspended sentence, Kucuk is required to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and participate in 25 days of rehabilitation activities. Her case stands as a severe breach of trust and a stark reminder of the consequences of such actions, particularly when charitable organisations are the victims.
Crime
Pembrokeshire man admits to strangulation while intoxicated
IN a hearing at Swansea Crown Court this week (May 10), a Pembrokeshire man, Lee Morgan, 42, of Green Close in Steynton, admitted to one count of strangulation under the influence of alcohol. However, he denied further charges related to another incident involving the same victim.
The court was informed that Morgan had no recollection of the incidents due to his intoxication. On April 5, 2023, he allegedly strangled a woman and committed battery. He pleaded guilty to the strangulation but denied the battery charge. A second accusation of strangulation was made against Morgan for an incident that occurred on April 30, 2023. This later accusation only came to light during the police investigation of the initial charges and was not reported at the time it occurred.
Prosecutor Ieuan Rees accepted Morgan’s pleas on behalf of the prosecution, indicating that the focus would be on the charges to which Morgan had admitted guilt. Defense attorney David Singh highlighted Morgan’s ongoing issues with alcohol, which he claimed contributed to his client’s lack of memory regarding the incident.
Presiding Judge Geraint Walters has ordered the preparation of a pre-sentence report and remanded Morgan back into custody. Morgan is scheduled to appear in court again on May 31 for further proceedings.
The case continues to develop as the community and legal system grapple with the serious allegations and Morgan’s admission of guilt under the influence of alcohol.
Crime
Former Pembroke Dock mayor admits child abuse image charges
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.
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