Crime

‘Wake up call’ for NHS worker found guilty of drink-driving in SUV

Published

9 months ago

April 3, 2024

A PEMBROKESHIRE NHS worker has been sentenced after being found guilty of driving his SUV vehicle when he was almost four times over the legal drink-drive limit.

Police received reports that Robert Preen, 39, of Law Street, Pembroke Dock, had been seen driving near his home address on the afternoon of May 20, 2023.

“At approximately 4.40pm police received information that a male appeared to be drunk,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“He was seen stumbling, and then he entered a vehicle and drove off, hitting a kerb.”

As a result of information supplied to the police, officers traced a red Vauxhall Grandland to Preen’s home address in Law Street, Pembroke Dock.

However Preen denied being the driver.

“He initially said it was his partner [who was driving], but he was arrested on suspicion of being unfit to be the driver,” said Ms Baker.

Subsequent breathalyser tests confirmed that Preen had 116 mcg of alcohol in his breath. The legal limit is 35.

Following his trial at Haverfordwest magistrates court on March 28, Preen was found guilty of drink-driving.

“He was convicted, but he still maintains that he drank alcohol after returning home,” said probation officer Julie Norman.

“He’d had an argument earlier that day with his partner, he drank one glass of wine and then his partner left. The defendant decided to go and see a friend but he then left the property and drove back. That’s when he was reported.”

Ms Norman added that when he arrived home, Preen claimed he had found some vodka in his garden shed, which he drank.
She said that Preen, who has no previous convictions, is currently employed with the NHS.

“He’s admitted that he has an issue with alcohol and, in the past, has sought assistance with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Advisory Service [DDAS],” she said. “But he’s still managing to hold down a full time job.”

Preen was ordered to pay a total of £1,322, comprising a £588 fine, £620 costs and a £114 surcharge. He was disqualified from driving for 24 months. He was also sentenced to a 12-month community order which includes 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. During this time he will be referred to DDAS.

“You’ll go from this court knowing that you’ve brought this upon yourself,” said presiding magistrate Mary Smith. “I hope that you learn from this experience and won’t find yourself back here again. This is your wake-up call.”

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

11 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: