Crime

Police find knuckleduster and drug evidence in coke dealer’s home

Published

7 months ago

May 19, 2024

SIMON WILLIAMS was at his residence on Woodland Close when officers conducted the raid on March 6. Prosecutor Sian Cutter reported that the police found the knuckleduster on the kitchen table and a cannabis joint on a bedroom cabinet.

“Under the kitchen sink, a black tray contained two bags of what was thought to be cocaine, but was later found to be creatine and bicarbonate of soda,” Cutter explained.

An analysis of Williams’ phone revealed messages dating back to March last year, indicating his involvement in cocaine dealing to about 20 customers. Cutter noted that Williams had sent messages referring to “flake” and “bash” – slang terms for cocaine – and discussed “preparing baggies” and having “a stash”.

In his police interview, Williams denied being a drug dealer, claiming he was only a user of cocaine and cannabis and that the knuckleduster was “for decoration only”.

The court heard that Williams, 41, had 11 previous convictions for 14 offences. He initially admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine, asserting that he used cocaine to alleviate a head injury and only sold some to friends to fund his usage. However, the prosecution rejected this basis, citing further phone evidence showing he had been dealing to around 20 people.

Williams eventually fully accepted charges of being concerned in the supply of cocaine, as well as possession of cannabis and possession of the knuckleduster.

Defence counsel Dan Griffiths stated, “It’s clear that only an immediate custodial sentence can be imposed.” He added that Williams’ involvement in drugs began many years ago with the use of cannabis and that he was introduced to cocaine by others due to its prevalence in the area. Griffiths described Williams’ dealing as a way to fund his habit, marking an “escalation” in his offending.

Judge Huw Rees sentenced Williams to two years and four months for being concerned in the supply of cocaine. No separate penalties were imposed for the possession of cannabis and the knuckleduster.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

12 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: