Crime

Woman charged with murder of six-year-old boy in Swansea

Published

4 months ago

September 1, 2024

A WOMAN has been charged with the murder of a six-year-old boy, identified as Alexander Zurawski, in Swansea. The young boy, described by his family and teachers as “very kind,” tragically lost his life in an incident that has left the local community deeply shocked and devastated.

Alexander Zurawski was found dead at a residence on Cwm Du Close in the Gendros area of Swansea on Thursday, August 29. Emergency services were called to the scene, where the young boy was discovered.

Karolina Zurawska, 41, also of Gendros, has been charged with Alexander’s murder. In addition to this charge, she faces an attempted murder charge concerning a 67-year-old man, related to an incident that is alleged to have occurred earlier on the same day.

Ms. Zurawska is scheduled to appear at Swansea Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Monday). According to the police, no other suspects are being sought in connection with the incident.

In a poignant tribute, Alexander’s family described him as a “very kind child” who loved playing with his little sister and their dog, Daisy. “Alexander was always well behaved and never naughty. He was very clever and mature for his age, with a great understanding of facts. He was always helpful, eager to assist with cooking and cleaning, and often corrected his parents’ English if they got words wrong. He was amazing,” the statement read.

Bethan Peterson, headteacher at Whitestone Primary School, where Alexander was a pupil, expressed the school’s deep sorrow at his passing. “We’re devastated to learn of the tragic death of Alexander. He was a delightful, determined little boy whose tenacity and positive demeanour ensured his success in all he undertook. He was extremely loved and popular among his peers, staff, and all who knew him. He will be sadly missed. Appropriate support will be made available to children, staff, and everyone within our school community who is affected. We ask that our school community’s privacy be respected during this difficult time,” Ms. Peterson stated.

Chief Superintendent Chris Truscott, divisional commander for Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, acknowledged the profound impact of the incident on the local community. “This is a distressing incident which has been a tremendous shock to the local community. The local community has been outstanding in their support of our investigation, and we would like to thank all of them for their patience during what has been a traumatic few days. A police presence will be retained in the local area over the coming days to provide advice and reassurance. Our thoughts are with Alexander’s family and friends at this difficult time,” he said.

The investigation continues as the community mourns the loss of a young life.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

21 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

2 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

2 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: