Crime

Three men forced way into Pembrokeshire nightclub and attacked doormen

Published

5 months ago

July 31, 2024

A NIGHTCLUB manager in Pembrokeshire testified in court about a violent incident on the night of April 21, 2022, which she described as “one of the most violent” she had ever witnessed.

Cathy Walters was knocked unconscious when three men forced their way into the Saundersfoot nightclub and attacked two doormen on duty.

This week, Callum Weakley, 28, Christopher Millward, 31, and Jack Parkinson, 26, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates for sentencing after pleading guilty to affray by using threatened unlawful violence towards others.

Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson stated that the men arrived at the nightclub despite Weakley being previously banned from the premises.

“They began verbally abusing the doormen, calling them p*****,” said Ms. Jackson. “Callum Weakley pushed through the door and began attacking them. They then fell down the stairs, landing at the bottom. Although one doorman landed on his feet, he lost his balance and fell against the wall. Cathy Walters, situated at the bottom of the stairs, was knocked unconscious for a few seconds and fell backwards into the wall.”

A victim impact statement from Ms. Walters was read to the magistrates, in which she expressed her fear for her safety during the incident.

“This is the most violent incident I’ve witnessed during my time as a nightclub manager,” she said. “It wasn’t just the punches, but the viciousness and extreme language. It made me feel very frightened.”

Magistrates were shown video footage of the incident.

Parkinson, a locksmith from Raymond House, Penally, and self-employed plumber Christopher Millward, from Hil Rise, Kilgetty, were both represented by Anthony O’Connell. Mr. O’Connell described his clients as “hard-working members of society that others speak highly of,” and submitted character references for both defendants.

Callum Weakley, from Jubilee Cottages, Tenby, was represented by Tom Lloyd, who explained that the incident was triggered by the recent death of his client’s father.

“He was overwhelmed by grief, which impaired his judgment,” said Mr. Lloyd. “He has now taken tremendous steps to overcome this, and he’s ashamed of what he’s done.” Mr. Lloyd also submitted character references for his client.

After considering the mitigation, magistrates sentenced all three defendants to six months in custody, suspended for 12 months. They must each complete 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £50 compensation to each of the three victims. Additionally, each defendant was ordered to pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

“If this hadn’t happened two years ago, the sentence might have been different,” commented the presiding magistrate. “You’ve kept out of trouble since then, and that’s why your sentence is suspended. But the level of violence shown puts it above the custody threshold.”

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

1 day 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

2 days 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

2 days 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: