News
Drunk driver who drove through scene of serious accident jailed
A MILFORD HAVEN woman who drove through the scene of a crash, almost running into a police officer, has been jailed for 10 months.
Leanne Thomas, aged 41, appeared before Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday, March 7, having previously pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court.
On January 29, there was a serious road traffic collision on Steynton Road and police had put up numerous signs and cones to indicate that the road had been closed.
Shortly before 9pm that night, Thomas drove through the closed road and an officer illuminated the blue lights on his car to indicate that she had to stop.
She did not and instead accelerated towards the officer who had come into the road and placed his arms across, shouting for her to stop. The officer then had to take evasive action to avoid being hit.
Shortly after she came to a stop at the traffic lights and was seen switching places with the passenger in the vehicle. A council worker had then placed a cone in front of their car in order to stop her from driving away.
When she was asked by officers she said that she was not the driver.
She was asked to do a roadside breath test and the reading was 48, the legal limit being 35.
Thomas was taken to Haverfordwest Police Station but she did not provide a sample in the required time.
The Judge said that the officer should be commended for his steps in attempting to stop the vehicle and asked if her driving through the debris had affected the course of the investigation. There was no indication that it had.
He went on to say that Thomas had ‘ignored a clear warning’ and that she had tried to ‘evade responsibility’ by switching seats.
Defending, Miss George said that Thomas did appreciate the seriousness of the offence and that her remorse was genuine.
She argued that any sentence should be suspended given Thomas’ mental health and her steps to help address those issues.
In sentencing, the Judge said that the offence of dangerous driving was the most serious and added the other offences were aggravating features.
He said that Thomas had a ‘very poor driving record’ and that the potential consequences of her actions were ‘unthinkable’.
Thomas was sentened to 10 months in prison for the dangerous driving offence and a further two months will run alongside for the offence of failing to provide a specimen.
No separare penalties were given for the offences of driving without a licence, driving without insurance and failing to stop.
She was also disqualified from driving for 2 years and five months, which takes into account her release date. Thomas will also have to pay a victim surcharge of £187.
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/.
-
News2 days ago
Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar
-
News2 days ago
Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19
-
News2 days ago
Councillors block Milford Haven boxing event – promoter to appeal
-
Crime4 days ago
Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images
-
News1 day ago
Beautiful, funny and lovely: Family pay tribute to Sian Batchelor
-
Business3 days ago
Lidl GB eyes Pembroke Dock for new larger supermarket
-
News3 days ago
Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson
-
News6 days ago
‘Honest’ caravan site owner ran site ‘under the radar’ for 20 years