Crime

Police officer headbutted in ambulance by son of injured man

Published

2 years ago

January 12, 2022

A ST FLORENCE man who head-butted and bit a police officer whilst inside an ambulance has been given a 16-week suspended prison sentence by Haverfordwest magistrates.

Dylan Hughes, 19, of St Florence, Tenby, admitted the charge of assault by beating on Pc James Meiring when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday.

The court was shown six minutes of distressing and graphic video coverage where Hughes was seen head-butting the officer twice and biting his head. Despite repeated attempts by the paramedics, an attending army officer and police officers to keep his behaviour in check, Hughes continued to spiral out of control. “Get the f*** off me, you pussy,” he was heard shouting at the officer. “You’re not f****** big enough. Put the f****** cuffs away. You’re a waste of time. I’m going to knock you out.”

Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker described the incident as ‘absolutely appalling’. “Bearing in mind the pandemic we’re going through, the behaviour in the ambulance that night was unacceptable,” she said.

Probation officer Julie Norman went on to say that every emergency worker present in the ambulance that evening feared for their personal safety. “The paramedics, the army officer and the police officers all feared for their safety that night as a result of Hughes’ actions.”

The offence took place in Johnston on December 18 after Hughes had attended a works-do with colleagues during which he’d drunk ten pints of lager. His father, who was present in court, had fallen outside a pub and sustained what his solicitor, Tom Lloyd, described as ‘an awful head injury’ which required the services of an ambulance. Once inside the ambulance however, Hughes’ behaviour went out of control. Despite on-going efforts by emergency workers to calm him down he began threatening the officer and his threats turned to reality when he began head-butting Pc Meiring.

“His behaviour was absolutely disgraceful and unacceptable,” said defence solicitor Tom Lloyd. “He’s let himself down tremendously. I’m not making any bones about it; my client knows it’s either custody immediately or custody suspended. That’s the severity of the case.”

Mr Lloyd went on to say that having spent a considerable length of time with the defendant following the offence, prison would not be a suitable place for Hughes. “He’s genuinely sorry and knows he’ll never come to court again. Impose whatever you feel fit in the circumstances. My client will take anything you think he deserves.”

In addition to his 16-week prison sentence suspended for two years, Hughes was ordered to pay £300 compensation to the injured police officer, £85 costs and a £128 surcharge. He has also been ordered to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work.

Imposing sentence, presiding magistrate Mr David Ellis described the video as ‘absolutely shocking’. “The emergency workers were all trying to help your father and for all these reasons, we think this (offence) crosses the custody threshold. You say you’re very embarrassed and ashamed, and so you should be.”

Crime

Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.

Crime

Dafydd Llywelyn retains his post as our local commissioner

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE result of the election for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner election has been declared.

Plaid’s Dafydd Llywelyn retains his role as commissioner. He has held the role since 2016.

The result of the election is as follows:

Justin Mark Griffiths (Lib Dem) 7,719
Ian Harrison 19,134 (Con)
Dafydd Llywelyn 31,323 (Plaid)
Philippa Thompson (Lab) 18,353

Before the election, Dafydd Llywelyn promised: “As your current Commissioner, operational, front-line policing has, and always will come before party politics. I have a strong track record of delivering on my promises and of listening to the communities of Dyfed Powys. I am proud of what I have achieved since 2016, but there is still so much to do.

“I am an approachable individual and I believe in listening to all members of the community in order to shape a successful police force.

“Since 2016, I have increased resources whilst also retaining the lowest council tax levels in Wales. During that time, we’ve seen:

150 more Police Officers;

150 more Police Staff;
A CCTV system that is monitored 24/7 by police staff;
A dedicated rural crime team;
A focus on county lines drug dealing to target organised crime;
Investment in Youth Offending Teams to divert young people away from crime;
A new Offender Diversionary Scheme to reduce re-offending.

If re – elected:

I will safeguard Neighbourhood Policing resources retaining a visible local policing presence;
I will invest in the Communications Centre to ensure an accessible service;
I will continue to put the victim at the heart of the service and develop a truly victim led service;
I will work with operational staff to keep local police stations open;
I will invest in a new and refreshed School Police programme to deliver early intervention and preventative work;
I will prioritise working in partnership with organisations and agencies to safeguard the most vulnerable in society.

“Your safety is my top priority. I want to ensure that the Dyfed Powys Police Force remains one of the safest places to live in Wales and England.”

Crime

Labour Crime Commissioner candidate gets most votes in Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

The Pembrokeshire declaration of the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner election just has been made by Deputy Returning Officer Steven Richards-Downes.

The results in Pembrokeshire are Justin Mark Griffiths (Lib Dem) 1,209; Ian Harrison 5,168 (Con); Dafydd Llywelyn 4,643 (Plaid) and Philippa Thompson (Lab) 5,386.

Therefore Philippa Thompson, of Labour, has had the most votes in Pembrokeshire.

Votes are also being counted in Powys, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. Once all the votes are in we will know who is elected as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys Police.

Before the election Philippa Thompson told this newspaper: “There’s a huge crisis in funding for policing and public services. The Conservative Westminster Government has so much to answer for having destroyed our country’s economy. Labour believes security is the bedrock on which opportunities are built, communities thrive, and local economies prosper.

“Instead of standing up for security, the Tories have done the opposite. This wasn’t an accident – it was the result of deliberate choices. A choice to cut police from our streets, a choice to undermine respect for the rule of law. Our communities cannot afford more of the same. Things have got to change.

“Labour will be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime.”