Crime

Wrongly convicted Pembrokeshire postmaster’s delight at new baby

Published

5 months ago

August 6, 2024

A PEMBROKESHIRE sub-postmaster who was unjustly prosecuted in the infamous Horizon scandal has expressed his joy over the birth of his new baby, marking a hopeful new chapter in his life.

Tim Brentnall, from Roch, Pembrokeshire, faced prosecution in 2010 for false accounting after a £22,000 shortfall was discovered at his branch. He is among the 736 former Post Office managers wrongly accused due to the flawed Horizon computer system.

The ordeal compounded the stress of trying for a baby, but now Mr Brentnall and his partner Steph are celebrating the arrival of Lando, born three weeks ago, describing him as “a dream come true”.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Mr Brentnall shared, “Ten years ago, I would never have thought it possible to be this happy and have this new life. We wanted a child for many years, and with Steph going through cancer and treatment, we had to wait for a while.”

Reflecting on the scandal’s impact, he noted, “Living next to the Post Office is a constant reminder of what happened. I was in my early 20s when we took it on, and that was going to be my future. It was all ripped away from me after five years.”

Mr Brentnall, 22 at the time, had bought the shop with his parents, aiming to secure an income and remain in his hometown. In 2009, auditors uncovered a discrepancy, leading to his suspension and subsequent interrogation at Haverfordwest police station. “It was horrific. I felt totally alone and helpless,” he recalled.

Despite knowing he had not taken any money, Mr Brentnall’s family felt pressured to cover the alleged debt, with his parents taking out a loan. Nevertheless, he was prosecuted for false accounting and, advised to plead guilty, received an 18-month suspended sentence along with 200 hours of community service.

“I really started to feel like I was trapped in a nightmare,” he said. “I felt like I was watching myself do it because I knew I didn’t do anything wrong but I was in front of a judge in Crown Court pleading guilty to a crime I didn’t commit.”

In 2021, his conviction was overturned, and he provided testimony to the Post Office inquiry in March 2022. Now, with baby Lando, Mr Brentnall and Steph are looking forward to a brighter future.

“It has been a real joy to be able to start to build towards the next chapter,” he said.

Mr Brentnall’s journey from wrongful conviction to new fatherhood underscores a remarkable resilience in the face of profound adversity. As the Horizon scandal continues to unfold, stories like his highlight the human cost behind the technical failures and institutional missteps.

For Mr Brentnall and his family, baby Lando symbolizes not just a new life, but the beginning of healing and hope after years of turmoil and distress.

Image: BBC News Hub

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

2 days 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

3 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

3 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: