Crime

Tenby resident ordered to pay nearly £600 for dropping cigarette butt

Published

3 months ago

August 10, 2024

In a recent case heard at Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Magistrates’ Court, a Tenby resident has learned the hard way that dropping a cigarette butt can lead to a hefty financial penalty. Anna Bukowski, 57, of White Lion Street, Tenby, was fined a total of £574.66 after failing to attend court to answer charges of littering.

The incident, which occurred on January 3, at The Green Pay & Display Car Park in Tenby, involved Bukowski throwing down a cigarette butt and leaving it on the ground. This act, seemingly trivial to some, falls under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which strictly prohibits the depositing of litter in public spaces.

Pembrokeshire County Council, which has been cracking down on littering with the help of its third-party operatives, often referred to locally as the “Fag Butt Police,” brought the case against Bukowski. These operatives have been diligent in their efforts to maintain the cleanliness of public areas, leading to a series of prosecutions against those who flout the law.

Despite being summoned, Bukowski did not appear in court, and the case was proven in her absence. The court imposed a fine of £220 for the offence, alongside a victim surcharge of £88 and court costs amounting to £266.66, bringing the total penalty to £574.66.

This case is one of many where individuals have found themselves facing significant financial consequences for littering, as local authorities continue to enforce strict measures to protect the environment. The message from Pembrokeshire County Council is clear: dropping litter, even something as small as a cigarette butt, will not be tolerated and could prove costly for those who disregard the law.

As Bukowski has until September 6 to pay the fine, it serves as a stark reminder to the public of the importance of disposing of litter responsibly. The actions of the so-called “Fag Butt Police” reflect a broader initiative to keep Pembrokeshire’s streets and public spaces clean and litter-free.

This case highlights the importance of community responsibility and the significant impact that even small actions can have on the environment and local community.

Crime

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

Published

1 hour 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.

Crime

Court hears man exposed his flaccid manhood ‘by accident’

Published

3 days ago

November 19, 2024

Court Reporter

A 21-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire man has appeared before magistrates charged with intentionally exposing his genitals in a public place.

Thomas Jones is accused of carrying out the act at a property in New Moat, Clarbeston Road, on November 9, 2022.

“The defendant knocked on the door of a female and offered his gardening services,” Crown prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“She accepted his offer and moved her car so that he could move his van, but when she turned around, she could see his flaccid penis was outside his trousers. When she pointed this out to him, he said he didn’t know that it was exposed.”

Jones denies the charge. He was released on unconditional bail to await his trial at Haverfordwest magistrates court on January 6.

Crime

Regular cocaine user from Milford Haven taken off the road

Published

3 days ago

November 19, 2024

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN resident who admits to being a regular cocaine user has lost his driving licence after being found behind the wheel when he was 15 times over the legal Benzoylecgonine limit.

Teifion Morse, 41, was stopped by officers just before midnight on May 1 following reports that he was driving his Vauxhall Insignia along the A477 at excessive speeds.

“The vehicle was travelling westwards towards Kilgetty, and Teifion Morse was the driver and the sole occupant, “ Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

A roadside drugs wipe proved positive while further blood tests carried out at the police custody suite showed that Morse had 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system (the legal limit is 50), and 20 mcg of cocaine. The legal limit is 10.

Ms James said that when Morse was spoken to by officers, he told them that he knew the readings would be positive. “I’ve done stupid amounts today,” he said.

Morse, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two charges of drug driving. A probation report stated that since leaving the military five and a half years ago, Morse has suffered from mental health issues.

He’s been using cocaine as a coping mechanism,” said the probation officer. “He freely admits that he uses cocaine to help him cope, but it’s spiralled and is getting more and more out of control. He would like support to kick this habit.”

Morse chose to be legally unrepresented when he appeared before magistrates.

“It was my stupid fault and I’m trying to take the correct steps to get on the right path,” he said in mitigation.

Morse was sentenced to an 18-month community order during which he must carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 15 months and must pay a £140 court surcharge and £85 costs.