News
Former AM handed suspended sentence for child sex images and videos
FORMER Assembly Member, Simon Thomas, was handed a suspended prison sentence this afternoon (Oct 31) after pleading guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children.
Appearing at Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court, the former Plaid Cymru AM admitted making hundreds of indecent images of children.
He was found with more than 600 images and video of children.
94 images and 56 videos were in the most serious category A, with 87 and 16 in category B, and 354 and five in category C.
The judge said that there was no evidence he produced or distributing the material, only possessing them.
Defending the former AM, Richard Williams said that since his arrest, Thomas’ family had been strained and he was ‘anxious’ to address his issues.
Following his guilty pleas, he was handed a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, and he must also sign the sex offenders register for the next seven years.
An NSPCC spokesperson said after the sentencing: “Within these images are young victims of abuse and by possessing them, Thomas has fuelled the demand in this awful trade. It is not a victimless crime.
“His actions betrayed the trust placed in him by the communities he represented at Cardiff Bay and Westminster and it’s now extremely important that he receives appropriate rehabilitation as part of his sentence.
“Ridding images like these from the internet must be a priority for tech companies, government and law enforcement.”
Commenting, South Wales Central Assembly Member and former Welsh Tory leader, Andrew RT Davies, said: “Given the public outrage over the leniency of this punishment, I have today written to the Attorney General and the Crown Prosecution Service to see what mechanisms are available for review.
“To me, the punishment handed down to Mr Thomas seems absurd given the severity and horrific nature of the crimes.
“It is my understanding that this will sadly fall outside of the remit of the Attorney General, which shows there is an anomaly in the system and begs some serious questions as to why this was dealt with at a Magistrates Court.
“This was not a victimless crime – far from it. Mr Thomas’ actions has only served to fuel the demand in this horrific trade and to escape with a slap on the wrists seems all the more outrageous.”
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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