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Crime

Hakin music nuisance sentence overturned in Crown Court appeal

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AT SWANSEA CROWN COURT this week, Melanie Conroy of Picton Road, Hakin, successfully appealed against her conviction for repeatedly playing loud music, challenging the nearly £5,000 penalty initially imposed by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Conroy had been at the centre of a neighbourhood disturbance case that began with an abatement notice issued by Pembrokeshire County Council on January 21, 2020.

The notice was a response to complaints of “amplified music playing at an excessive volume” from her property.

Despite this warning, allegations surfaced of Conroy flouting the notice, with loud music reportedly blaring from her premises on at least four separate occasions, specifically on October 13 and 14, January 9, and February 9.

The legal proceedings took a decisive turn in July when Conroy, who pleaded not guilty to each of the four offences of failing to comply with the abatement notice, was absent from her sentencing.

In her absence, she was found guilty and ordered to pay a total of £4,820.58.

This sum included a £220 fine for each offence, £2,988.58 in costs, £600 in compensation, and a surcharge of £352, marking a significant financial penalty for the disturbances caused.

However, in a recent development, Conroy’s decision to appeal both her conviction and sentence led to a reversal of fortune.

At Swansea Crown Court, Judge Huw Rees, alongside two magistrates, reviewed the appeal, ultimately ruling in Conroy’s favor.

The court’s decision to allow the appeal has overturned the previous verdict made at the magistrates’ court.

Crime

Woman denies using sock filled with snooker balls in street fight

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A 37-YEAR-OLD woman from Pembroke Dock has denied possessing a sock stuffed with snooker balls during an alleged town centre street fight.

Frances Wallace, of King Street, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week charged with possession of an offensive weapon and using unlawful violence towards others during an incident in Pembroke Dock on June 15, 2024.

She is accused of arming herself with the makeshift weapon—a sock containing snooker balls—during what prosecutors described as a “serious public order offence” witnessed by around 20 members of the public.

Also in the dock was Stephen Charge, 52, of Pembroke Street, Pembroke Dock, who faces a single charge of using threatening and unlawful violence. He entered no plea.

Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told the court: “Both defendants were involved in a street fight that took place in Pembroke Dock. Police carried out extensive investigations, including reviewing video footage, which showed Frances Wallace armed herself with the sock containing snooker balls and used it as a weapon.

“You can imagine what it must have been like in Pembroke Dock at the time.”

Magistrates declined jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the case and it will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court on June 20.

Both defendants were released on unconditional bail.

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Crime

Country sportsman loses gun licence after drug-driving conviction

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A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been forced to surrender his firearms licence after testing positive for a cocaine derivative while behind the wheel.

Shane Beynon, 50, was stopped by police on Clay Lane, Hundleton, on November 8, 2024. Subsequent tests revealed 240 micrograms of benzoylecgonine – a cocaine metabolite – in his system. The legal limit is 50.

This week, Beynon, of Hean Castle, Saundersfoot, pleaded guilty to drug-driving when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates.

“He doesn’t take cocaine and is very surprised this was found in his system,” said defence solicitor Michael Kelleher. “He’d been out the night before, but he accepts that no one is going to come to court and say they spiked his drink.”

Mr Kelleher told the court that the mandatory driving ban would have a significant impact on Beynon, both professionally and personally.

“He is a self-employed fencing contractor who relies on his vehicle, and he’s also a keen shooter. As a result of this charge, he’s had to surrender his firearms to the police,” he added. “The future is very uncertain for him.”

Magistrates disqualified Beynon from driving for 12 months. He was fined £300 and ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £120 victim surcharge.

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Crime

Scrap metal collector’s ‘disastrous’ decision ends in court

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A DECISION to drive onto the Pembroke Dock to Rosslare ferry route after consuming alcohol has been described in court as a “complete and utter disaster” for Cardiff man Charles O’Brien.

The 39-year-old was stopped by police on May 3 and tested positive during a roadside breath test. He was taken to Haverfordwest police station for further analysis.

“But he was unable to blow long enough for the machine to register,” Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told Haverfordwest magistrates this week. “As a result, he failed to provide a specimen for analysis.”

O’Brien, of Grangetown, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen. He was represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher.

“This was a complete and utter disaster,” said Mr Kelleher. “He took his vehicle into the restricted port area. While it is not open to general members of the public, the offence still applies.”

The court heard that O’Brien is self-employed as a scrap metal collector.

Magistrates disqualified him from driving for 12 months. He was also fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

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