Crime

Man smashes doors to chase down mum in Tavernspite incident

Published

6 months ago

June 26, 2024

A 45-YEAR-OLD man, Ivor Poulson, from Tavernspite near Whitland, violently broke through two locked doors with a crowbar to chase down his mother after an argument, before proceeding to destroy a bathroom cabinet in front of her. The dramatic event was recounted at Swansea Crown Court, where Poulson faced charges of affray and criminal damage.

Prosecutor Matthew Murphy revealed that Poulson, who had been living with his mother, had consumed alcohol on the evening of June 2. Following an argument, Poulson threatened his mother with what was described as a wrecking bar.

In a bid to escape, the defendant’s mother retreated to her bedroom and locked the door, subsequently locking herself in the bathroom. Despite her efforts, she could hear Poulson shouting “Open the door” and banging on it, prompting her to call 999.

Murphy detailed how Poulson used the crowbar to smash a hole in the bedroom door, reaching in to unlock it. He repeated the same action with the bathroom door. Once inside, Poulson stood menacingly with a crowbar over each shoulder, questioning his mother’s actions before smashing a cabinet with one of the tools.

Police arrived swiftly and arrested Poulson, who chose to remain silent during the interrogation. “The defendant was reckless as to whether serious injury would be caused to the complainant,” Murphy asserted, highlighting Poulson’s ignorance of what lay behind the doors he was demolishing.

Poulson, with two previous convictions, pleaded guilty to both charges at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court. Judge Geraint Walters, upon reviewing the case, noted, “It’s perfectly plain from everything I have read that this defendant has profound difficulties – some of his own making, some not of his own making.”

The court was informed that Poulson had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which David Singh, in mitigation, suggested was a significant factor leading to the confrontation. Singh described the incident as an “appalling confrontation,” expressing Poulson’s deep regret over his actions towards his mother.

Judge Walters addressed Poulson directly, condemning his behaviour: “You don’t need me to tell you, but this is an appalling piece of behaviour towards your own mother. The reality here is you were going through a mental breakdown at the time.”

Poulson received a two-year community order, including 150 hours of unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and a 120-day alcohol abstinence and monitoring requirement. Judge Walters concluded, “It’s time for you to see if you can continue to salvage your relationship with your mum.”

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

14 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: