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Crime

Annual St David’s Day Conference puts spotlight on vulnerability of offenders

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RECOGNISING vulnerability within offenders will be the focus at Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn’s annual St David’s Conference this year, which will take place on Friday 1st of March at Dyfed-Powys Police Headquarters in Carmarthen.

Recognising vulnerability in offenders is essential for developing a more nuanced and effective approach to criminal justice according to PCC Llywelyn.  Identifying and understanding vulnerabilities allows for targeted and effective interventions and will aid in reducing the risks of reoffending and victimisation. 

By addressing the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behaviour, there is a better chance of breaking the cycle of reoffending and promoting long-term positive change. 

Dafydd Llywelyn, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed Powys Police

The Conference will provide an insight into how a range of organisations and support services providers work to understand an offender’s vulnerabilities; how they identify situations where offenders may be at risk of victimisation within the criminal justice system; and how they support in putting appropriate safeguards in place to protect vulnerable individuals from harm.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn told The Herald: “It gives me great pleasure to host my eighth annual St David’s Day Conference, which this year will focus on recognising offender vulnerability.

“It is important to recognise that many offenders are often victims themselves, who might have possibly experienced crimes worse than their own. Additionally, a significant number of them suffer with mental health problems.

“Understanding these underlying factors is essential as we strive to find more compassionate and effective solutions. Sending individuals to prison isn’t always the better choice; instead, we must work collaboratively to develop interventions and support systems that address the root causes and contribute to rehabilitation.

“My conference this year will bring together experts and stakeholders to discuss collaborative initiatives, raise awareness, and look at effective strategies that aim for a safer and more secure society.”

Guest speakers at the Conference include:

  • Michelle John, Director – PEGS Support
    Recognising and responding to Child to Parent Abuse
  • Rebecca Zerk, Director of the Centre for Age, Gender and Social Justice
  • Elize Freeman, Deputy Director of the Centre for Age, Gender and Social Justice
  • Aberystwyth University
    Older victims’ experiences of adult family abuse
  • Mike Wilkinson, Deputy Chief Executive, New Pathways
    Responding to Harmful Sexual Behaviours displayed by victims of violence
  • Christina Line, Chief Operating Officer, The Nelson Trust & Gemma Humphreys, Women’s Criminal Justice Service Manager – Wales, The Nelson Trust
    Female Offending Services and Women’s Centre Approach

This will be PCC Dafydd Llywelyn’s eighth annual St David’s Day Conference, with previous conferences focusing on Coercive Control (2017); Mental Health in Policing (2018); Cyber-Crime (2019); Rural Crime (2020), Victims (2021), Anti-Social Behaviour (2022), and Policing by Consent (2023).

The Conference will take place at Dyfed-Powys Police Headquarters in Carmarthen, while there will also be an opportunity for individuals to join online. 

PCC Llywelyn concluded added: “I am looking forward to welcoming all to the conference this year as we consider how to respond to vulnerabilities within offenders, and developing a more nuanced and effective approach to criminal justice”.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

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THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”

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Crime

Sex offender jailed for breaching court order

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A SEX offender from Wolfscastle has been jailed after using fake names on WhatsApp and attempting to access a social media app, breaching his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

Luke Rogers, 38, was sentenced to 10 months in prison at Swansea Crown Court after pleading guilty to two breaches of the order, which was imposed following his 2020 conviction for sexual activity with a child.

Under the SHPO, Rogers was prohibited from using unregistered internet-enabled devices or creating online profiles under false names. Prosecutor Ryan Bowen told the court that police monitoring software installed on Rogers’ phone detected activity in group chats under three aliases last November.

Further investigation revealed Rogers had also searched for the MeetMe app on four occasions and admitted using it. Rogers, described by Mr. Bowen as “apologetic,” was arrested, and his phone was seized.

The court heard Rogers has a history of 17 convictions for 35 offences, including breaching court orders and failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements.

Defence barrister Olivia Rose said Rogers had cooperated fully with police and expressed a desire to change. She argued that his breaches stemmed from a misunderstanding about permitted names and emphasized his efforts to seek support.

Despite these mitigating factors, Judge Catherine Richards noted Rogers’ pattern of reoffending and stated: “The reality is I can only pass an immediate custodial sentence.”

She expressed hope that Rogers would take advantage of post-sentence supervision to break the cycle of offending.

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Crime

Police renew appeal to find Darren Markes from Pembroke Dock

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POLICE in Pembrokeshire are renewing their appeal for information to locate Darren Markes, 46, from Pembroke Dock. He is wanted in connection with a domestic assault.

Markes is believed to have links to the Portsmouth and Sussex areas.

If you have seen Darren Markes or have any information about his whereabouts, please contact the police through one of the following methods:

You can also provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers:

Please quote reference number 24*944729 when providing information.

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