News
Ransackers held woman ‘hostage’
* Two Pembrokeshire homes robbed, one burgled
* Homeowners left shaken by ‘traumatic ordeal’
* Police moved quickly to make arrests
* One man remanded, another on the run.
A GWENT man who is alleged to have committed serious offences in Pembrokeshire last week has been remanded in custody.
Tony Smith, 20, of Chestnut Close, Ebw Vale, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with robbery and burglary.
Between late afternoon and the evening of Thursday, October 24, two robberies and a burglary occurred in the Whitland and Kilgetty areas. In all three incidents elderly people were targeted, and one of the victims sustained minor injury.
Officers commenced enquiries immediately and two men were arrested that evening. The men, a 22-year-old and a 20-year-old, were arrested on suspicion of dwelling burglary and robbery. A special court was held late on Friday, October 25 where police were given a further 36 hours to detain the men in custody.
A third man, who police believe to be connected with the case, is still on the run.
John Henry Hearne, 19, from the Brynmawr area, also in Gwent, is wanted by police for questioning.
CPS Prosecutor Vaughan Prichard-Jones told the court the facts of the case: “At around 4.15pm on October 24 the defendant with his accomplice kicked down the front door of a house belonging to an elderly man in Whitland, shouting ‘Where’s your money’.”
“An elderly man who was in the house at the time was traumatised by the event,” said Mr Prichard-Jones.
“After ransacking the house the pair left, and a short time later they burgled another house in Kilgetty. They broke in by smashing the back door. The owner returned a short time later to find his house had been turned upside down,” he added.
“At 5pm they went to a house in Pentlepoir where two elderly women were living. After breaking in, one of the men held the women hostage while the other went around the house, taking out the telephone so they could not call the police, and taking what he could find.
‘’Those who were involved gave statements to the police, and the description given of one of the men was a close match to the defendant here today,” said Mr Prichard-Jones.
“Police then came across the vehicle which had been reported in the first incident, and saw Smith walking towards the car. He was arrested and officers found cash and other items in his possession,” he added.
“Forensic tests were carried out and small glass particles were found on his jumper as a result of smashing a window at the second house.
‘’Bottles of alcohol found in the car were also found to have Smith’s DNA on them.”
“CCTV also shows a man dropping off items in a garden including a pair of gloves and after more tests it was found that Smith had been wearing them.”
Prosecutor Vaughan Pritchard-Jones told the court: “Smith could continue to offend if he is not kept in custody”.
The magistrates agreed and ordered that Smith be kept on remand.
They commented: “We cannot release you on the strength of the evidence brought by the prosecution”.
Members of Smith’s family cried as he was led away flanked by security officers.
Crime
Police probe ball bearing damage in Haverfordwest
POLICE are investigating reports of criminal damage in Haverfordwest after suspected metal ball bearings were used to damage a vehicle and a property.
Dyfed-Powys Police said damage was caused to the wing mirror of a blue Range Rover Evoque on Glenfields Road sometime between 11:10am and 11:20am on Sunday, May 10.
Officers believe metal ball bearings may have been used.
A second incident was reported at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 12, when the window of a property on Glenfields Road was allegedly struck by a suspected metal ball bearing.
Police said local officers are continuing to speak with residents after receiving a number of calls about ball bearings being found in the Glenfields Road and Old Hakin Road areas.
Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
Quote reference: 26*375605.
Crime
Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston
A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.
Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).
The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.
Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.
Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
News
Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat
Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account
INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.
Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.
He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.
The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.
Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.
Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.
Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.
Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.
Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.
Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.
Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.
A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.
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