Crime
Police issue update after Carmarthenshire school closed over online threats
POLICE say enquiries are continuing after a threatening message led to the closure of Dafen Community Primary School in Llanelli today (Monday, Nov 3).
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that officers remain at the school and in the surrounding area as investigations continue into the nature of the threat, which was received in the early hours of the morning.
In a statement released this afternoon, the force said: “Enquiries continue into the threatening message against Dafen CP School. We would like to thank parents and guardians for their support during this understandably concerning time. The safety and welfare of the school, pupils, and the wider community are at the heart of this inquiry.
“At this stage of the investigation, we are unable to comment any further on the nature of the threat and we encourage people not to speculate on the circumstances of the ongoing investigation. You will continue to see a police presence at Dafen CP School and the surrounding area throughout the day, with teams also attending schools in the wider Llanelli area to provide reassurance.
“Parents and guardians of children in Dafen CP School will continue to receive updates via the school’s communication app. We encourage people to follow us, and Carmarthenshire County Council, for official information.”
Police were first alerted to the threat at around 2:30am, prompting “safeguarding action” and a decision to close the school in consultation with Carmarthenshire County Council.
No other schools in the county are currently reported closed for the same reason, though officers have been visiting other schools in the Llanelli area to provide reassurance.
The Herald will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
Crime
Drug trafficker must repay £33,000 after court rules he made nearly £500,000
A PEMBROKESHIRE drug trafficker jailed after a major cocaine and cannabis seizure has been ordered to repay more than £33,000.
Dean Evans, 44, returned to Swansea Crown Court for a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing after prosecutors sought to recover money made through his offending.
The court heard it had been agreed that Evans benefited from criminal conduct by £496,533.94. However, his available assets were calculated at £33,337.37.
Judge Catherine Richards made a confiscation order for that amount and gave Evans three months to pay. If he fails to do so, he faces a further year in prison.
Evans, of St Clements Park, Freystrop, is already serving an eight-year sentence after admitting possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis.
He was caught after Dyfed-Powys Police’s Roads Policing Unit stopped his Seat Ateca on Holyland Road, Pembroke, at around 10:25am on January 2.
Officers searched the vehicle after Evans admitted they would find “stuff” inside.
They discovered around one kilogram of cocaine in a cardboard box in the boot, together with 5.4 kilograms of cannabis in a black bin bag. The cannabis had been split into ten vacuum-sealed bags.
Swansea Crown Court was previously told the drugs had a combined potential street value of up to £185,000, made up of around £125,000 of cocaine and cannabis worth up to £60,000.
A mobile phone seized from Evans revealed what prosecutors described as a “dealer’s list”, with dozens of names and sums believed to be owed. Messages also showed Evans directing dealers below him in the supply chain.
At the original sentencing hearing, the court was told Evans had 23 previous convictions for 62 offences, including rape and robbery. His previous drug matters had related only to possession.
Sarah John, mitigating, said he had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had stayed out of trouble for a “fairly lengthy period”, with his last conviction in 2016.
Jailing Evans for eight years, Judge Paul Thomas KC said: “You are clearly a man with few criminal boundaries.
“You ensnared users and low-level drug dealers into debt, dragging them into a vicious circle of criminality.”
After sentencing, DC Phill Jones, of Pembrokeshire’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, said illegal drugs brought misery to local communities and would not be tolerated.
He said: “This sentence should serve as a stark warning to any others who are tempted into the illegal drugs trade. You will get caught and you will go to prison.”
Photo caption: Drugs seized:
Dean Evans was caught with cocaine and cannabis worth up to £185,000 in his car (Pic: Dyfed-Powys Police).
Crime
Man wanted by court after failing to attend hearing over alleged shop thefts
A MAN is wanted by the courts after failing to attend a hearing relating to a series of alleged shop thefts in Pembrokeshire.
Jack Morgan, of Pembroke, was due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) but failed to attend.
The court heard that Morgan faces several allegations of shop theft from businesses in Pembrokeshire.
The charges include the alleged theft of vodka from the Co-op in Pembroke Dock, along with food and drink items including sausages, crisps and Dragon Soop from The Green Garage.
The alleged offences are said to have taken place on various dates earlier this year.
After Morgan failed to attend court, magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest without bail.
He will now be brought before the court once located by police.
Court officials heard that the matters remain before the court and no pleas have yet been entered.
Crime
Shop theft admitted after alcohol stolen from Haverfordwest store
A WOMAN has admitted shoplifting alcohol from a Haverfordwest store.
Esme Hoyle appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) charged with theft from a shop.
The court heard that Hoyle stole alcohol worth £17 from B&M in Haverfordwest on Sunday, April 6.
Hoyle pleaded guilty to the offence.
Magistrates sentenced Hoyle following her guilty plea and imposed financial penalties, including prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.
The court was told the offence related to a low-value retail theft from the town centre store.
Retail theft continues to place pressure on local businesses across Pembrokeshire, with stores increasingly reporting repeated incidents of shoplifting.
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