Crime

New BBC podcast explores chilling Pembrokeshire mystery

Published

4 months ago

September 5, 2024

PEMBROKESHIRE residents are being drawn back nearly half a century in time with the launch of a new true crime podcast, Crime Next Door: Death on the Farm. This six-part series, produced by BBC Cymru Wales, re-examines one of the county’s most haunting unsolved cases: the brutal slaying of an elderly brother and sister in the quiet village of Llangolman.

In December 1976, the bodies of Griff and Patti Thomas were discovered in their remote farmhouse by a local postman. The violent nature of their deaths shocked the tight-knit community, and a wave of fear swept through the village as residents grappled with the terrifying notion that a killer was in their midst.

At first, suspicions centred on an outsider, a stranger who had invaded their peaceful rural life. But as the days passed, a more unsettling theory emerged, suggesting the possibility of a killer much closer to home. The case, which remains unsolved, has continued to cast a shadow over Llangolman, and the lack of closure has kept the tragedy alive in the memories of those who lived through it.

Crime Next Door: Death on the Farm seeks to answer the burning questions that have lingered for nearly 50 years: Did the police miss crucial evidence? Was justice ever truly served? And why does this case still matter so much to the people of Pembrokeshire?

The podcast features interviews with first-hand witnesses, members of the Llangolman community, and modern-day experts who revisit the evidence with fresh eyes. Narrated by actress Bettrys Jones and produced by Darrell Brown, the series aims to piece together the fragmented story and explore the lasting impact of the murders on the village.

Producer Darrell Brown spoke about the unique connection the community still feels to the case: “It’s unusual to find a case that remains such a topic of conversation for a community, but this one the people of Llangolman refuse to forget. It was a real privilege to tell their story and shine a light on a case that still casts a shadow on the village. We look forward to seeing how audiences respond, and to seeing how the case develops in the coming weeks and months.”

BBC Radio Wales Commissioner Bridget Curnow added: “Hearing the story directly from the voices of the community of Llangolman and their dedication to getting the closure they so want and need is so powerful. The fact that the community is still so dedicated 50 years on shows just how baffling this story is.”

Episode one of Crime Next Door: Death on the Farm is now available on BBC Sounds, with subsequent episodes set to release weekly. However, listeners should be aware that the series contains details that some may find distressing.

For those in Pembrokeshire, this podcast offers more than just a retelling of an old crime—it’s a chance to revisit a story that continues to resonate deeply within our community, and perhaps, to finally find some answers.

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

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

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: