News

Pervert tried to send explicit Snapchats to 14-year-old girl

Published

3 months ago

February 15, 2024

A WEST WALES man has been handed a suspended prison sentence after sending explicit Snapchat messages to an undercover police officer, believing they were a 14-year-old girl.

Curtis Janman admitted he’d fantasised about having sex with girls aged between 14 and 16 when he was arrested by Dyfed-Powys Police.

Within six hours of starting a conversation with ‘Brooke’ on Snapchat, the 27-year-old was sending her explicit messages and photos. He asked about the teenager’s sexual experiences, and detailed intimate activities he would like to engage in – despite being told as early as the sixth message between the pair that she was a child.

What Janman didn’t know was that he was in fact talking to an undercover police officer working as part of a regional organised crime unit to secure evidence against anyone showing criminal intent to harm, abuse or exploit a child.

The concerning content of Janman’s messages, which were sent over two days, led to an investigation into his profile. He was identified as living in Carmarthenshire, and his information was passed to Dyfed-Powys Police to progress enquiries.

On Saturday, November 11, Janman was arrested at his home. He admitted the offence in an interview and was charged with attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

On January 29, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. He must also complete a 31-day accredited programme and 30 days of rehabilitation, and has been handed a five year sexual harm prevention order.

Dyfed-Powys Police Detective Constable George Parker said: “While we are thankful no children were impacted by the defendant’s behaviour in this case, he truly believed he was having these highly sexualised conversations with a 14-year-old girl, which is very concerning.

“This is an individual who has posed a threat to young women and girls in the local area, as he admits he has fantasised about girls around the age of 14 for a significant part of his life. He hasn’t given a reason for this fantasy, other than finding it hard to talk to people of his own age.

“We have chosen to highlight this case on Safer Internet Day to remind parents how important it is to be aware what apps their children are using, and who they are talking to or playing with online. The internet is an amazing place for meeting new people, but unfortunately as we have seen here, there are people online with criminal intent.

“Through the joint investigation by our colleagues in regional organised crime, as well as the work of a number of departments here at Dyfed-Powys Police, there is no doubt that this work will have safeguarded vulnerable young people at risk of coming into contact with Janman.”

Crime

Former Pembroke Dock mayor admits child abuse image charges

Published

39 mins ago

May 10, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AT Swansea Crown Court on Friday (May 10), former Pembroke Dock Mayor Terry Judkins has pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children.

Judkins, who held office as mayor from May 2021 until his resignation in November 2021, faced multiple charges related to child abuse images.

The court heard that Judkins was charged with creating two Category C indecent images of children and possessing a prohibited image of a child during a period spanning from September 27, 2018, to August 5, 2021.

The 55-year-old admitted to these offences in a hearing that has drawn considerable attention.

However, Judkins denied charges related to possessing extreme pornographic images that depicted bestiality, covering a timeline from January 2010 to August 2021.

Prosecutor Helen Randall indicated that the Crown would pursue a trial on these allegations given Judkins’ not guilty plea.

Additional charges against Judkins include making 52 Category A indecent images of children within the same dates as his earlier admissions.

The former mayor has been granted extra time to consider his plea on this charge, with a future court appearance scheduled for a later date.

This case has cast a shadow over Judkins’ brief tenure as mayor. He resigned last year citing personal reasons and extra work commitments.

News

Welsh rally star eyeing second British championship success

Published

8 hours ago

May 10, 2024

Tom Sinclair

OSAIN PRYCE is eyeing his second British Rally Championship (BRC) title after a recording a superb victory in the Severn Valley Stages.

The Welsh star and co-driver Rhodri Evans finished 20 seconds ahead of Irish driver William Creighton, with championship leader Chris Ingram claiming third place.

The result left Pryce 15 points adrift of Ingram after two rounds and boosted his chances of adding to his 2022 British title success.

Pryce was excellent in his Ford Fiesta Rally2, wowing the sizeable crowds who lined iconic stages such as Hafren Sweet Lamb and Myherin.

The Welshman established an early lead over Ingram before withstanding a charge by Creighton to claim his first BRC victory since Rally Yorkshire in 2022.

“It’s a big relief – I’m so happy to get the win,” Pryce said. “We had a dodgy couple of stages at the end, and to be honest, it was so slippy, but I drove at a pace where I was comfortable.

“I did lose some time, which in the end wasn’t too bad, but we certainly had some hairy moments just trying to keep it on the road. Credit to everyone who’s got me here. Top job from Rhodri too – that’s his first-ever win!

While Ingram currently leads the standings by four points from Creighton, the Irishman could be the biggest threat to Pryce’s title hopes.

He is still getting to grips with his new Ford Fiesta Rally2 car, but has recorded back-to-back second place finishes to force his way into contention.

Bettors in Creighton’s homeland have backed their compatriot to emerge victorious this season, forcing bookmakers to cut his odds to win the title.

Several of the best Irish betting sites also make him the favourite to win the upcoming Jim Clark Rally in Scotland later this month.

However, Pryce will fancy his chances of claiming another victory as he strives to follow up his impressive 2022 British title success.

The Welshman won four of the seven events that season to clinch top spot by an emphatic 19-point margin from Keith Cronin.

With two of the final four rallies of the season set to be staged in Wales, Pryce could be a good bet to upset the odds over the next few months.

He has previously won Rali Ceredigion and the Cambrian Rally, which should give him the confidence he needs to secure another British title.

Farming

King Charles III is new Royal Welsh Agricultural Society patron

Published

9 hours ago

May 10, 2024

Tom Sinclair

KING CHARLES III has continued a royal tradition by agreeing to become the new patron of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS).

As Prince of Wales, he consistently supported the RWAS, having visited the Royal Welsh Show seven times from 1969 to 2019 and he opened the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in 2001.

“To have the monarch as our patron is very special,” said Aled Rhys Jones, RWAS chief executive. “We are immensely grateful to His Majesty for continuing his support to the society.

“He is a true champion of rural matters and has a deep affection for Wales. His support as patron will be a great endorsement to the work we do in promoting Welsh agriculture.”

The decision follows a review of the patronages of the late Queen, the former Prince of Wales and the former Duchess of Cornwall. The letter from Buckingham Palace to the RWAS read: ‘His Majesty would be delighted to accept’.

The Queen was patron of the RWAS for 70 years and showed great support. Her support reflected her long-lasting interest in Welsh agriculture, horticulture and rural affairs.

The Queen’s first official role with the RWAS was as Princess Elizabeth in 1947, when she was honorary president. She undertook a triumphant tour of the showground during a visit to the Royal Welsh Show, held in Carmarthen.

The late Queen had followed her late father, George VI, and her grandfather, George V in accepting the patronage.

King George V first became patron as Prince of Wales in 1907 and formally as King in 1911. His Silver Challenge Cup for the best Welsh Cob then became known as the George Prince of Wales Challenge Cup, one of the most famous cups presented at the Royal Welsh Show annually.