Crime

Milford Haven man who attacked girlfriend back in court again

Published

4 months ago

August 27, 2024

A Milford Haven man who assaulted his girlfriend during a video call to her sister found himself back in court this week after failing to comply with the terms of his suspended sentence.

Zachariah Roberts-Thomas, 23, of Marble Hall Road, was originally handed a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, in February, following a violent incident in late December. As part of his sentence, Roberts-Thomas was also required to complete the Building Better Relationships programme, 150 hours of unpaid work, and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

However, Roberts-Thomas appeared before Swansea Crown Court again after being accused of breaching his suspended sentence by missing appointments on May 19 and July 7. The court heard that he admitted to missing these appointments, explaining that he was still on a waiting list for the Building Better Relationships programme.

Presiding over the case, Judge Huw Rees warned Roberts-Thomas of the serious consequences of his non-compliance. “You could go to prison for being in breach,” Judge Rees cautioned. “It’s no joke. If you fail to get back on this order, you could go to prison.”

The case was adjourned until September 20, with Judge Rees ordering Roberts-Thomas to complete 30 additional hours of unpaid work and four more rehabilitation activity requirement days before that date. The judge assured the defendant that he would avoid a custodial sentence if he fulfilled these requirements.

The court was previously informed that the assault took place on December 29, when Roberts-Thomas attacked his long-term partner. The victim, visibly distressed, had called her sister at around 7 pm that evening. During the call, Roberts-Thomas could be heard shouting in the background before approaching the victim and punching her in the ribs, hurling a series of vile insults, according to prosecutor Brian Simpson.

When the police arrived at the scene, Roberts-Thomas had already fled, and the victim initially denied that any violence had occurred. However, further messages received by the victim’s sister revealed the defendant’s continued aggression, leading to another police response. Officers found Roberts-Thomas outside the property, heavily intoxicated and shouting that he “just wanted [her] back.”

Defence counsel Dan Griffiths acknowledged his client’s immaturity, stating, “He would be the first to acknowledge he has a lot of growing up to do.”

During the initial sentencing, Recorder Simon Hughes emphasised the need for Roberts-Thomas to receive support, noting, “It’s clear to me you require some assistance. Were you sentenced to an immediate custodial sentence today, you would be released without access to that assistance.”

The outcome of Roberts-Thomas’s compliance with the court’s orders will be determined in September. The community remains vigilant as the justice system addresses this troubling case.

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: