Crime

Man escapes immediate jail after Swansea bar assault

Published

4 months ago

September 7, 2024

A SWANSEA man, Rickey Lewis, 33, from Strand Mews, has avoided an immediate prison sentence despite pleading guilty to an assault that left his victim, from Pembrokeshire, with a permanent scar. The attack took place at the Cross Keys Public House in Swansea on July 2 of last year.

Lewis, who has 12 previous convictions, including for affray and domestic assault in 2019, was involved in a confrontation that escalated into violence. CCTV footage revealed Lewis repeatedly attempting to strike the victim, continuing his assault even after an initial blow, until pub staff intervened. Although it remains unclear whether a glass was used, broken glass was found on the floor near the scene.

The victim sustained a cut to the head, resulting in a permanent one-inch scar. Although the bleeding subsided within 15 minutes and the victim did not seek medical treatment, the injury has left lasting psychological effects. The court heard that the victim now suffers from fear of being followed, disturbed sleep, and a loss of appetite, all of which have significantly impacted their daily life.

While the injury was considered relatively minor, the permanence of the scar and the victim’s ongoing psychological trauma placed the case within the lower range of Category 2 offenses.

In mitigation, Lewis’ defence highlighted several factors, including his early guilty plea, which demonstrated his acceptance of responsibility. His defence also argued that Lewis has been addressing his alcohol problems, which he admitted contributed to his “moment of stupidity and madness” on the night of the incident. Since the assault, Lewis has reportedly taken steps to manage both his alcohol intake and his temper.

The court also heard about the detrimental impact the case has had on Lewis’ family. As the primary breadwinner, Lewis faces the risk of eviction should he be unable to work. His relationship with his 15-year-old daughter has also deteriorated due to the legal proceedings, and he expressed a desire to rebuild that bond and become a more responsible father.

Despite the gravity of the offense and Lewis’ criminal record, the court acknowledged his efforts to reform and the significant consequences his imprisonment would have on his family. As a result, Lewis was sentenced to 24 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months.

During this suspension period, Lewis is required to complete 225 hours of unpaid work and attend 20 rehabilitation days, focusing on anger management and alcohol abuse. The court emphasized that the suspended sentence provides Lewis an opportunity to avoid immediate imprisonment and make positive changes in his life. However, any failure to comply with these conditions would result in serious consequences, including the activation of his custodial sentence.

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

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: