Crime
Prison officer smuggled drugs in juice cartons
A PRISON officer has been sentenced to six years in prison after being caught attempting to smuggle drugs and mobile phones into HMP Parc in Bridgend, Wales. The court heard that the officer had been offered thousands of pounds to carry out the illegal activity.
The prison houses many inmates from Pembrokeshire and the West Wales area.
The case was presented at Merthyr Crown Court, where it was revealed that Jodie Beer, a 30-year-old former prison officer, was apprehended by police with a significant stash of drugs and mobile phones concealed within orange juice cartons. The arrest took place in February 2022, when Beer was stopped by police outside the prison during a break.
During a search of Beer’s vehicle, officers discovered a zip-lock bag containing light brown powder, tubes of white tablets, and a plastic carrier bag holding large cartons labelled as orange juice. Beer initially claimed that the items had been placed in her car by someone else. However, upon closer inspection, the cartons were found to contain controlled drugs, mobile phones, and SIM cards.
In total, the police recovered nearly 22 grams of cocaine, over 628 grams of cannabis, and dozens of buprenorphine tablets, a strong painkiller. A subsequent search of Beer’s partner’s home led to the discovery of £4,000 in cash.
During her police interview, Beer admitted that she had been approached by a prisoner who offered her £5,000 to smuggle the contraband into the prison. She confessed to collecting the packages, including the pre-packed orange juice cartons, from an unknown individual at a layby.
Beer, of Llanharry, Rhondda Cynon Taff, had previously pleaded guilty to charges of possession of Class A, B, and C drugs with intent to supply, as well as to an offence of misconduct in public office. She was sentenced to six years in prison for her crimes.
The case highlights the serious consequences of corruption within the prison system and the severe penalties for those who breach their duties for personal gain.
Crime
Man denies burglary at Haverfordwest property
A 32-year-old man has appeared before magistrates charged with burglary at a Haverfordwest property with intent to commit damage.
Darryan Bolstridge-Edwards, 32, is accused of gaining entry into a property at Fleming Crescent on February 14 as a trespasser, with intent to cause damage to the building or its contents.
This week Bolstridge-Edwards, of Brickhurst Close, Johnston, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates via a video link from HM Parc Prison where he has been remanded in custody. He denied the offence and elected a Crown Court trial. Proceedings will now commence at Swansea on June 12.
Crime
Man denies exposure in Pembrokeshire town
A North Pembrokeshire man has appeared before magistrates charged with exposing himself in a sexual manner in a north Pembrokeshire town.
Rhydian Morse, 40, is accused of outraging public decency by exposing himself at an undisclosed location in Narberth on November 19, 2024. He faces a second charge of sexually assaulting a female, aged 16 or over, on November 12, 2024.
This week Morse, of Precelly View, Grondre, Clynderwen, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates court where he denied both charges. He elected a Crown Court trial and his trial proceedings will now commence at Swansea Crown on June 12. He was released on unconditional bail.
Crime
Man threatens to torch Silverdale Lodge through ‘demon drink’, court hears
A MAN has been sentenced for threatening to set fire to the Silverdale Lodge homeless shelter, Johnson, following a night of binge drinking.
This week Haverfordwest magistrates were told that at around 7am on May 2, Billy Pitman, 29, left the Silverdale Lodge in a highly intoxicated state, and entered one of the local shops where he began accusing the shopkeeper of short-changing him as he attempted to purchase some items. Pitman then proceeded to unleash a foul-mouthed assault on the shopkeeper.
“This had a huge impact on the staff member as they immediately reported the matter to the police,” said Crown Prosecutor, Sian Vaughan.
After leaving the shop, Pitman returned to the Silverdale Lodge where he began unleashing his aggression on a member of staff.
“Once again he became aggressive, and started hurling racial insults at the staff member, telling them to go back to their own country,” continued Sian Vaughan.
“His behaviour escalated and he told them he’d smash the door down and set fire to the property.”
Ms Vaughan said the defendants comments had a strong impact on the Silverdale employee.
“ It made me feel very uncomfortable as the racist comments were totally unacceptable and uncalled for,” the employee said in a victim impact statement read out to the court.
As a result of Pitman’s behaviour, police firearms officers were summoned to attend and the defendant was arrested and conveyed to Haverfordwest police station. But once again, his behaviour spiralled out of control.
When he was put inside the cell, he proceeded to put items into the sink causing it to flood.
Pitman pleaded guilty to threatening to damage or destroy property at Silverdale Lodge; causing racially or religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress to the staff member; causing criminal damage to the police cell, and using threatening or insulting words or behaviour to the shopworker. He was represented in court by solicitor Tom Lloyd, who stressed the defendant’s actions were the result of his ‘drink demons’.
“The defendant has huge periods of stability and is a very well thought of individual,” he said. “But sometimes he has demons when he consumes alcohol, and can’t control his behaviour. This is something he’s keen to address and he wants help.”
Mr Lloyd added that the defendant has since returned to the Silverdale Lodge to apologise for his behaviour on May 2.
Pitman, who is currently of no fixed abode, was sentenced to a 12-month community order during which he must complete 200 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was ordered to pay £100 compensation to both the shopkeeper and the Silverdale Lodge employee, £120 court costs and a £114 surcharge.
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