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Crime

Fag-butt police court summonses spark debate in Pembrokeshire

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A WAVE of prosecutions for cigarette littering has hit Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, raising questions about enforcement priorities and the use of judicial resources in Pembrokeshire.

On Thursday, July 25, it could get rather crowded in court, as 18 individuals are set to appear before the bench, all charged with depositing litter. The alleged offences, which occurred between 6 and 18 December 2023, involve an accusation of dropping of cigarette butts or rolled cigarettes in various locations across Haverfordwest, Pembroke, and Pembroke Dock.

The defendants, ranging in age from 24 to 70, face charges for discarding cigarette-related litter in public spaces, including supermarket car parks, streets, and even school grounds.

This concentrated effort to prosecute cigarette littering has sparked debate among local residents and legal experts. Critics argue that targeting smokers for what some consider a minor offence may be seen as pursuing “low-hanging fruit” rather than addressing more serious environmental concerns in Pembrokeshire.

Questions remain about the consistency of enforcement and whether other forms of littering are being pursued with equal vigour.

People are taken to court if they ignore paying or wish to challenge a Fixed Penalty Notice.

The FPNs can been issued for any littering, dog fouling and breach of byelaws relating to dogs on beaches.

Pembrokeshire County Council says the aim is to drive behaviour change in the small percentage of people who cause a big impact on the local environment.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said last year: “In an ideal world there would be no need for this type of enforcement.

“However, the number of Fixed Penalty Notices issued already shows that there are still people who will drop litter or fail to pick up after their dog and commit other environmental crimes that continue to blight the environment for everybody else.

“By issuing these Fixed Penalty Notices we are sending the message that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated.”

As the cases proceed, the outcomes will likely fuel further discussion on the appropriate balance between enforcement and education in tackling environmental offences. The debate continues on whether this approach represents a judicious use of court time or if alternative measures might better serve both the environment and the community.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

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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.”

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Crime

Sex offender jailed for breaching court order

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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.

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Crime

Police renew appeal to find Darren Markes from Pembroke Dock

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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:

You can also provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers:

Please quote reference number 24*944729 when providing information.

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