Crime

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

Published

4 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

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: