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Crime

Roofer sentenced over faulty work at elderly victim’s home

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A PEMBROKESHIRE roofer who ‘could not care less’ about the faulty work he carried out at a disabled pensioner’s home has received a suspended prison sentence.

Scott Keane, aged 41 and trading as Pembrokeshire Roofing Services, charged the victim £8,000 for work on her roof, but within weeks serious leaks were discovered.

Following a complaint to Pembrokeshire County Council’s Trading Standards team, an expert was commissioned to examine the work.

The subsequent report highlighted many serious faults with all aspects of the roof and recommended that it be replaced.

Following an investigation, Keane, who advertised his services on Facebook, was charged with four counts under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations.

Keane appeared before magistrates in Haverfordwest on November 29 th 2021 and pleaded guilty to all four charges.

The charges covered the fitness for purpose of the work; a failure to provide required information; misleading actions and unfair commercial practices.

Sentencing was referred to Swansea Crown Court on Thursday 13th January, 2022.

Judge Geraint Walters told Keane that the victim was elderly and disabled and he had a ‘slapdash attitude to the work.’

Judge Walters added that Keane ‘could not care less’ about the practices used at her home.

Keane was sentenced to a six month prison sentence, suspended for two years.  

He was placed under a 30 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and ordered to pay £6,000 in compensation to the victim at the rate of £400 per month.  

He was also ordered to pay a £128 victim surcharge.

Judge Walters said that given Keane’s financial circumstances he had prioritised compensation over costs.

However, the Judge praised Pembrokeshire County Council for the way the Authority had prepared the case and said the Council had “done a very responsible job in bringing the case to court”.

Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Cllr Cris Tomos, said: “I add my congratulations to those of the Judge in commending our Trading Standards team for bringing this case to court and securing the prosecution.

“This has been a difficult time for the victim and I hope this result will provide some comfort and closure.

“I hope this case will underline that the Council will not hesitate to act on complaints received and, where appropriate, investigate and prosecute.”

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Crime

Police appeal following assault outside Haverfordwest store

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POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an assault that happened outside B&M stores, Haverfordwest, at about 6.30pm on Tuesday, April 23.

The suspect is described as a teenage male wearing a balaclava and a cast on his wrist. He is believed to have left the location in a silver car.

The victim did not sustain any injuries.

The police have asked for assistance. Anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to get in touch with PC 1296 Clarke, either by:

🖥️ | https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline

📧 | [email protected]

💬 | Direct message us on social media

📞 | 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote ref: 24*369339

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Crime

Businessman to stand trial for assault and strangulation

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A HAVERFORDWEST businessman is to stand trial at Swansea Crown Court in September after denying charges of assaulting and strangling a woman

Appearing from custody, Oliver Torkington, 38, of Pembroke Road, appeared at the court for a plea hearing on April 26 where he pleaded not guilty.

Torkington is alleged to have assaulted a woman in St Clears on March 23, causing her actual bodily harm.

He is also accused of strangling her.

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Crime

Arrested Pembroke Dock man jailed after hospital escape attempt

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  • Ashley Rickard, claimed he was entitled to flee custody at Withybush Hospital, believing he hadn’t committed the alleged offences.

IB a dramatic turn of events at Withybush Hospital, Pembroke Dock resident Ashley Rickard, 26, of Elizabeth Court, made a failed bid for freedom, resulting in a 27-week prison sentence. The incident occurred shortly after Rickard, who was under arrest for a series of alleged crimes, managed to break free from his handcuffs.

Prosecutor Georgia Donohue detailed the events leading up to the escape during the trial. Rickard had been apprehended at his grandmother’s home on December 4, suspected of offences that included burglary, making threats to kill, and criminal damage. Following his arrest, Rickard complained of ingesting a substance, believed to be Valium, which necessitated medical attention at Withybush Hospital.

While at the hospital, despite being handcuffed and flanked by police, Rickard succeeded in freeing one hand and fled as he was escorted through the hospital doors. His flight took him across the car park and into a nearby housing estate, though he was captured the following day hiding at his grandmother’s residence.

Defence barrister Harry Dickens conveyed Rickard’s belief that he had been wrongfully detained, claiming this perception fueled his decision to escape. However, Judge Paul Thomas KC dismissed this justification, stating, “If everyone did that there would be chaos. Anarchy would ensue.”

Despite the dramatic circumstances, Rickard’s escape was described by Mr. Dickens as “not a sophisticated attempt,” noting that Rickard had acted alone and returned to a familiar location.

On the day set for his trial, Rickard pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody, a plea accepted by the prosecution as witnesses for the other charges were not supportive. The court subsequently entered formal not guilty verdicts for the remaining allegations.

The episode has reignited discussions on the security measures in place for handling detainees at medical facilities and the broader implications of individuals taking justice into their own hands.

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