Crime

70-Year-old woman in court over death baby Mabli

Published

4 months ago

August 23, 2024

A 70-YEAR-OLD woman has appeared in court charged with causing the death of an eight-month-old baby girl following a tragic crash outside Withybush Hospital last year.

Bridget Curtis, of Begelly, Pembrokeshire, stood before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court, facing a serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

REPORT FOR BBC WALES TODAY 22.08.2024

The charge stems from a devastating incident that took place on June 21, 2023, when Curtis, behind the wheel of her BMW 520D, was involved in a collision that led to the death of Mabli Cariad Hall, an eight-month-old baby girl.

A report from bbc wales today earlier this year, on the anniversary of baby mabli’s death

During the brief court appearance, Curtis, represented by John Dye of 3D Solicitors Ltd, only spoke to confirm her name, date of birth, and address. She did not enter a plea. The case has been committed to Swansea Crown Court, with a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for September 20, 2024. Curtis was granted bail until her next court appearance.

The tragic event unfolded just outside Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 11:50am, responding to reports of a serious collision. The crash involved four people, including the infant, a pedestrian, the driver (Curtis), and a passenger in the vehicle. The severity of the crash prompted an immediate and extensive emergency response.

Mabli Cariad Hall was airlifted from the scene to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff before being transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Despite the best efforts of medical teams, Mabli succumbed to her injuries. An inquest later revealed that the cause of death was severe traumatic brain injuries, a tragic outcome that has left the community reeling.

In the months following the accident, Mabli’s family has endured an unimaginably difficult period. In a statement released by Dyfed-Powys Police, the Hall family expressed their deep gratitude towards the police for their diligent handling of the case. “This last year has been the most horrendous time of our lives. Our family life has been changed forever, and to this day, we are still trying to come to terms with what has happened,” they said.

The family also acknowledged the support they received from 2Wish, a charity that offers assistance to families who have experienced the sudden loss of a child. They described reaching this stage of the legal process as a significant step forward, though they remain aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

“We are grateful that we have now reached this stage of the process. We understand we have more to come, but this is the biggest step forward we’ve had since June last year,” the family noted.

The family’s statement also extended thanks to friends, family, and the broader community who have supported them during this challenging time. “We will never forget the love and support shown to us and for the memory of our precious angel, Mabli Cariad,” they said.

The charge of causing death by dangerous driving is a serious one under Section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The case’s transfer to Swansea Crown Court indicates the gravity of the alleged offence and the complexities involved in the legal proceedings.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

15 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: