News
Law and order in Pembrokeshire A GROUP of young people from
A GROUP of young people from Pembrokeshire got a unique taste of law and order last week.
The 15 youngsters took part in ‘Court Out’ – a hands-on project organised by the County Council’s Pembrokeshire Youth Service along with Dyfed Powys Police, Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Milford Youth Matters and local law practice, Red Kite Law.
The project, which took place over two days, aimed at giving the 13 to 17 year-olds an inside look at the legal system – from an arrest to a trial verdict.
It included the youngsters taking part in a mock court case and playing the roles of police, defence, prosecution and magistrates.
“The project proved to be a brilliant partnership between all the agencies involved with everyone going the extra mile to give the young people an unique experience,” said Nick Hudd, Community Youth Worker.
“The police, defence and prosecution teams were made up of young people from Milford Haven, while the youngsters who comprised the magistrates support team came from Saundersfoot. In this way we ensured that those hearing the case did not know the young people involved in the trial,” he said.
“It proved to be really educational and I am sure it will have a positive effect on them.”
‘Court Out’ saw the young people investigate a fictitious crime and witness the accused taken into custody and processed at Haverfordwest Police Station.
The police gave the young people an insight into their role in an investigation and advised the team playing police officers about their roles and responsibilities.
James Subbiani from Red Kite Law Practice then explained to the group the role of solicitors in proceedings and advised the defence team on how to progress their case.
The group spent time putting a case together, with the young people playing police officers interviewing witnesses and putting together witness statements, which were then used by the ‘shadow’ defence and prosecution legal teams.
On the second day they attended a real Magistrates’ court, with genuine Magistrates on hand to provide advice to those playing themselves and other court officials.
The case was run as if it were a real trial, with witnesses questioned on the stand, the accused in the dock and an active defence and prosecution team working tirelessly to ensure justice prevailed.
Afterwards the young people had an opportunity to see behind the scenes of the courts, explore the process of a defendant being held and processed and even look at the cells where they await trial.
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).
On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.
When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.
Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.
Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).
While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.
After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.
The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.
“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.
“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.
“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.
“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”
On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.
If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”
In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”
Business
Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’
THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.
“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”
“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”
Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.
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