News

Taxi driver convicted of drug trafficking cocaine to Milford Haven

Published

4 months ago

July 15, 2024

A TAXI driver who denied any involvement with his passenger being caught with a block of cocaine worth more than £85,000 has been found guilty.

Pajtim Metaj and Albert Nikolla faced charges of trafficking cocaine between Northampton and Milford Haven. Nikolla, 26, of Plough Way in London, had previously admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine and being concerned in the supply of cocaine. On the day of the trial, he also admitted to a separate offence of cocaine possession in London on 9 June last year.

Metaj, of Ruskin Road in Northampton, denied charges of trafficking cocaine, possession of cocaine, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine. However, after two days of evidence, the jury returned a guilty verdict within just 50 minutes, finding Metaj guilty of possession with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

Metaj, 26, was remanded into custody and will be sentenced alongside Nikolla on 29 July.

During the trial, the jury heard that Metaj’s vehicle was stopped on 18 January near the Cleddau Bridge during routine traffic checks by Dyfed-Powys Police. When Metaj pulled over, Nikolla bolted from the back seat and attempted to discard a one-kilogram block of cocaine, which prosecutor Caitlin Brazel stated had a street value “in excess of £85,000”.

Metaj initially claimed to officers that he was a taxi driver who did not know his co-defendant and had never been to Pembrokeshire before. “This was a blatant lie,” Ms Brazel said. “He knew exactly what Albert Nikolla was caught throwing out of his car, and he was doing everything in his power to distance himself. If he was simply just a taxi driver with no involvement at all, why lie?”

ANPR cameras showed Metaj’s car had made “nine separate trips” from Northampton to Milford Haven between November 2023 and January 2024. CCTV footage also showed him with Nikolla on these trips. When confronted with this evidence, Metaj admitted to driving Nikolla on each occasion and confessed to lying initially because he was scared of a long prison sentence.

Further searches of Metaj’s house revealed three iPhones, clear snap bags, and £1,880 in cash hidden behind his boiler. The jury was also informed that Metaj had searched on his phone whether fingerprints last on plastic bags two weeks before his arrest.

Llewellyn Culver-Evans, defending, noted that Metaj had never been in trouble with the police before. “He panics because he’s just been told that the passenger in the back of his car has been caught carrying a kilo of cocaine,” he said.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

6 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

19 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

20 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.