Crime

Carmarthenshire crowned UK’s ‘illegal cigarette capital’

Published

6 days ago

June 25, 2024

CARMARTHENSHIRE has earned the dubious distinction of being the ‘illegal cigarette capital of the UK,’ according to a recent study. Data compiled by Vape Superstore, from Freedom of Information requests submitted to UK councils, highlights a significant black market crisis in the region.

Over a span of 14 months, Carmarthenshire County Council seized an astonishing 160,000 packets of illegal cigarettes – the highest number recorded across the UK. The study, which covered data from 1st January 2023 to 29th February 2024, provides a detailed overview of illegal cigarette and vape sales nationwide.

The full report, available on Vape Superstore’s website, reveals other areas grappling with similar issues, but none as severely as Carmarthenshire. Notably, the county also reported three shops involved in selling illegal vapes, resulting in the seizure of 7,500 illicit vape products.

The illegal cigarette and vape trade poses significant health risks due to the unregulated nature of these products, which often contain hazardous substances. The economic impact is also substantial, with tax revenues being undermined by black market activities.

In a particularly egregious case, a Carmarthenshire shop owner reportedly profited £300,000 from selling illegal vapes loaded with dangerously high levels of nicotine.

This study brings to light the urgent need for stricter enforcement and public awareness to combat the illegal cigarette and vape market. For a more comprehensive look at the findings and to explore the worst offending areas, you can access the full study here.

Crime

Pembrokeshire man admits to child sex offences in court

Published

9 hours 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

1 day 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.