Crime

Pembrokeshire magistrates fine 27 for dropping fag butts

Published

4 months ago

August 22, 2024

In a recent session at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, 27 individuals were fined for littering offences committed across Pembrokeshire.

The offenders, who were all found guilty in their absence, were charged with dropping cigarette ends in various public places.

The cases, brought forward by Pembrokeshire County Council, highlight a range of offences where individuals carelessly discarded cigarette butts in public areas, including train stations, hospitals, and retail parks. Despite not attending court, the cases were proven in their absence, leading to fines and additional costs.

Each defendant was fined £220, ordered to pay a surcharge of £88 to fund victim services, and incurred prosecution costs of £150. This brings the total amount each defendant must pay to £458. In one case, a defendant who pleaded guilty was fined a reduced amount of £40 with an additional £16 surcharge and £20 in costs, resulting in a total of £76.

Here are the details of those fined:

Gareth Bailey, 42, of Elm Lane, Milford Haven
Daniel Cook, 29, of The Avenue, Pontygwaith, Ferndale
Peter Cullen, 33, of Maes Y Llan, Llandeloy, Haverfordwest
Nathan Edmundson, 32, of Rectory Avenue, Hakin, Milford Haven
Paul Evans, 38, of Fernhill Road, Haverfordwest
Alana Francis, 22, of Augustine Way, Haverfordwest
Jonathan Gammon, 51, of Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock
Jack Hall, 26, of Ramsey Court, Siskin Close, Haverfordwest
Phil Horsely, 55, of Dew Street, Haverfordwest
Richard Hughes, 62, of Brodawel, Solva
Luke Hutton, 34, of Prestacott, Beaworthy, Devon
Gavin James, 44, of Vicary Crescent, Milford Haven
Michael James, 36, of Heol Glyndwr, Fishguard
Maria Koleva, 38, of Nantyffin, Llandissilio, Clynderwen
Jacob Lloyd, 28, of Maes Ewan, Solva
Fiona Mackenzie, 56, of Bell Tower Close, Walsall, Birmingham
Darren Richard Markes, 46, of Dark Street, Haverfordwest
Tanya Roberts, 48, of College Court, Haverfordwest
Brad Saunders, 31, of Rolle Street, Barnstaple, Devon
John Simon, 35, of Curlew Close, Haverfordwest
Garry Sims, 63, of Market Street, Haverfordwest
Bavaen Stan, 28, of Maesmelyn Street, Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire
Ivan Stefanov, 40, of Nantyffin Motel, Llandissilio, Clynderwen
Simon Fleet, 50, of Hill Street, Haverfordwest
Jamie Harding, 36, of Wentworth Close, Hubberston, Milford Haven
John Hooper, 59, of Springfield Close, Neyland, Milford Haven
Carl Hopkins, 61, of Fredrick Street, Neyland, Pembrokeshire

In total, the 27 defendants are expected to pay £12,366 in fines and costs. The fines and charges are part of ongoing efforts by Pembrokeshire County Council to maintain cleanliness in public areas and discourage littering. Collection orders have been made for all the fines, ensuring that the penalties are enforced.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

18 hours 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

1 day 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

1 day 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: