Tenby man found carrying cocaine after violent confrontation at Cardiff Central station

A PEMBROKESHIRE man tried to headbutt a police officer after railway staff refused to allow him to board a train because he was too drunk to travel.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard that Cheyne Lloyd-Neal, 31, attempted to board the Cardiff to Tenby service at Cardiff Central shortly before 11pm on December 20.

However, railway staff assessed his level of intoxication and told him he would not be permitted to travel.

Police were called as Lloyd-Neal became increasingly aggressive, shouting at one officer: “Shut your f****** mouth, boy.”

Crown Prosecutor Nia James said the officer tried to explain that Lloyd-Neal should not waste money buying a ticket because he had already been prevented from boarding the train.

“He called the officer a c*** and raised his middle finger to him as he walked off,” she told the court.

“He remained hostile, shouting and swearing at the police. When they reached the concourse, the defendant lunged his head violently towards one of the officers in an attempt to headbutt him.”

A struggle followed as officers attempted to control Lloyd-Neal’s head and body. Urgent assistance was requested over the radio before he was eventually restrained on the floor.

During a search, officers found a snap bag containing 0.47 grams of cocaine in his pocket. The drug had an estimated street value of £27.

PC Jonathan Dando sustained an injury to his left shoulder during the incident.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, PC Dando asked magistrates to consider the emotional effect that violent incidents can have on police officers. He said he experienced flashbacks following the confrontation.

Lloyd-Neal, of Alma Gardens, Penally, admitted being drunk and disorderly in a public place, assaulting a police constable and possessing a Class A drug.

Defending, solicitor Tom Lloyd said the offences had taken place during a period of considerable emotional turmoil for his client.

“His daughter was born and, a matter of hours later, his grandfather passed away,” he said.

“These were destabilising factors, as he was extremely close to his grandfather.

“A few weeks later, he went on a work do in Cardiff and started drinking at 10am that morning. He has no recollection of the incident and was in a heightened emotional state at the time of the offence.

“He now recognises his issues and is ready to accept any intervention.”

After considering a detailed pre-sentence report prepared by the probation service, magistrates sentenced Lloyd-Neal to 18 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months.

He must complete 12 rehabilitation activity requirement days and carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

Lloyd-Neal was also ordered to pay £400 compensation to PC Dando, an £85 contribution towards prosecution costs and a £154 surcharge.

The court ordered the cocaine to be destroyed.

Cash machine at High Street NatWest branch was broken into during an early-hours burglary

POLICE have launched an investigation after an estimated £55,000 was stolen from a cash machine at a bank in Brecon.

Dyfed-Powys Police received a report at around 1.15am on Monday (July 20) that the ATM at the NatWest branch on High Street had been broken into.

Cash was taken from the machine, with investigating officers estimating the total amount stolen to be approximately £55,000.

Police tape was placed across the entrance to the bank and around the outside cash machine during Monday as officers carried out inquiries at the scene.

Members of the public reported seeing a police presence on the high street, with officers entering and leaving the building throughout the day.

No arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, including anyone who noticed suspicious people or vehicles in Brecon town centre during the early hours of Monday morning.

Police would also like to hear from anybody who may have CCTV, doorbell-camera or dashcam footage which could assist the investigation.

Information can be provided to Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 101.

Those contacting police should quote reference 26*586801.

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

Death not being treated as suspicious as police make statutory referral to IOPC following active investigation

A 37-YEAR-OLD man has been found dead at Warrior Way in Pembroke Dock.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers attended the area at around 7pm on Sunday, July 19, after concerns were raised for the welfare of an individual.

There was a significant police presence in the area, with several units positioned at the scene on Sunday and further police activity continuing into Monday.

The scale of the response prompted speculation among members of the public about the nature of the incident.

Police have now confirmed that the man was found deceased and that his death is not being treated as suspicious.

His next of kin have been informed.

HM Coroner has been advised, and officers will continue to assist with the coroner’s investigation.

The matter has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct because the man had been involved in an active police investigation.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the referral was made in line with the IOPC’s statutory referral criteria.

Such referrals are required in certain circumstances and do not, in themselves, indicate that police officers or staff are suspected of wrongdoing.