Crime

Deported man caught at Fishguard attempting to board ferry

Published

2 weeks ago

June 14, 2024

A MAN who had previously been deported from the UK was apprehended at Fishguard Port as he attempted to board a ferry to Ireland.

Lukas Citavicius, 26, was stopped by authorities on May 29, after it was discovered that he was trying to travel to Rosslare, Ireland. Swansea Crown Court heard from Prosecutor Emily Bennett that Citavicius had been issued a deportation order on May 22, 2022, yet had managed to re-enter the UK.

“The defendant stated he had been in the UK for one month when he was discovered,” Bennett reported.

Following his arrest, Citavicius was taken to Haverfordwest Police Station, where he explained to officers that he had returned to the UK for family reasons and was attempting to leave the country to return to Lithuania.

Judge Huw Rees queried the defendant’s choice of travel route, asking, “Why was he going to the Republic of Ireland?”

Dan Griffiths, representing Citavicius, responded that his client believed it was the safest way to leave the UK without being detected. “He was less likely to be discovered going that way,” Griffiths said.

Griffiths further elaborated that Citavicius had returned to the UK out of concern for his mother’s health. “He did this only after his attempts to get her to return to Lithuania fell on deaf ears,” Griffiths explained.

Citavicius, who is married with children and employed in Lithuania, was eager to return there with his family. Griffiths added that Citavicius’ mother’s health had improved, and she also intended to move to Lithuania.

“He simply wishes to return to Lithuania to return to life with his family,” Griffiths stated. “It’s noteworthy he was detained attempting to leave the UK.”

The court was informed that Citavicius, who has no fixed abode, had seven previous convictions for 12 offences.

Judge Rees expressed concern over Citavicius’ illegal re-entry into the UK, saying, “The illegal entry into this country is a matter of great concern. The sooner you leave the country, the better.”

Citavicius was sentenced to two months in prison. Judge Rees explained that this sentence aimed to minimise the burden on the British taxpayer, and he confirmed that the deportation order would be enforced immediately after the sentence is served.

Crime

Pembrokeshire man admits to child sex offences in court

Published

1 hour ago

June 30, 2024

Court Reporter

A MAN from Pembrokeshire, Paul Stuart Chesher, 66, has pleaded guilty to serious child sex offences at Swansea Crown Court.

Chesher, from Herbrandston, appeared in court on Friday, 21 June, where he admitted to multiple charges.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to incite a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, specifically masturbation, without believing she was over 16.

These offences occurred in September 2021.

Additionally, Chesher admitted to attempting to engage in sexual communication with the same victim for sexual gratification, also without reasonably believing she was over 16. This communication occurred between August and October 2021.

Chesher, who has admitted all charges, is scheduled to be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court next month.

Crime

Dyfed-Powys Police investigating after 20mph signs damaged and stolen

Published

23 hours ago

June 29, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A NUMBER of 20mph signs and also national speed limit signs have been damaged and stolen in the village of Llansawel, Llandeilo.
The most recent incident of damage/theft took place at some point between 08/06/2024 and
10/06/2024.
Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to
Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-
powys.police.uk, or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Quote reference: 24000533387. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Community raises funds for former teacher’s court fine

Published

3 days ago

June 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE community has successfully raised the funds needed to cover the court fine of former teacher Rhodri S. Jones within just 24 hours. The GoFundMe campaign, launched to support Jones after his conviction for assaulting a child at Ysgol Caer Elen, has met its £600 target.

Jones, 40, of Hayston View, Johnston, had pleaded guilty to assault by beating. He was legally represented in court by Mr Michael Kelleher, who highlighted the difficulties faced by teachers in maintaining discipline without physical interaction. Jones, described as mortified by the incident, resigned from the teaching profession following the altercation where he pushed a pupil who was being cheeky and rude.

The court fined Jones £400, with additional costs and a surcharge bringing the total to £645. No compensation order was made against the victim, with the presiding magistrate deeming it inappropriate.

The fundraiser, organised by Andrew Phillips, saw an outpouring of support from the community, quickly surpassing its goal. Donations flooded in from parents, colleagues, and local residents who felt the punishment was too severe for what they considered a minor incident.

Jones expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am overwhelmed with the support of the community, and I can’t believe how generous everyone has been. This has been a difficult time for me and my family, and this support means the world to us.”

The rapid success of the campaign highlights the strong sense of community and the high regard in which Jones is held. Supporters emphasised his dedication to teaching and lamented the loss of a valued educator from the profession.

This collective effort not only alleviates the financial burden on Jones but also sends a powerful message of community unity and support. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the challenges faced by teachers and the pressures of maintaining discipline in modern educational environments.