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Crime

Cadw prosecuting man already in prison over neglect of historic site

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PEMBROKESHIRE man James Kershaw, 44, currently serving a prison sentence for sexual offences, is now facing new charges related to the alleged neglect of Pill Priory, a historic site.

The former gardener and businessman appeared via video link at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court last week from HMP Channings Wood in Devon.

Kershaw is accused of causing damage to the 900-year-old Benedictine monastery ruins in Milford Haven between January 2015 and February 2022. The charges were brought under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

If convicted, Kershaw could face up to six months in prison or an unlimited fine.

Kershaw’s legal troubles began with his conviction in 2022 for attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor, following a sting operation by vigilante groups. He was sentenced to three years and ten months in prison and placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

The court proceedings regarding Pill Priory have been adjourned.

The next hearing is scheduled for September 27 at Swansea Crown Court.

Did you know?

Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, has been actively involved in tackling heritage crime in Wales. While Cadw itself does not have direct prosecution powers, it plays a crucial role in supporting and training police forces across Wales to address offences related to historic sites. This includes crimes like damage to scheduled monuments, theft of architectural materials, and unlawful activities such as metal detecting on protected sites.

Recent initiatives, such as the collaboration under the Alliance to Reduce Crime against Heritage (ARCH), have seen Cadw join forces with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that heritage crimes are systematically investigated and prosecuted when necessary. The efforts focus on crimes that harm Wales’s rich historical assets, including listed buildings and scheduled monuments.

When it comes to prosecution, the responsibility lies with the police and the Crown Prosecution Service. Cadw supports these efforts by providing expert knowledge and ensuring that the laws protecting heritage sites are enforced. For instance, damage to a scheduled monument without proper consent is a criminal offence, and those found guilty can face significant fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the damage

 

Crime

‘Knife attack’ at Spittal property leaves man in hospital

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POLICE have arrested a woman following what is being described as a ‘knife attack’ at a property in Spittal on Monday night (Mar 10).

Emergency services were called to the domestic incident shortly before 8:30pm after the ambulance service requested assistance from Dyfed-Powys Police.

Officers and paramedics attended the property where a man and a woman were both found with injuries. The man was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment.

A 30-year-old woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and assaulting an emergency worker. She remains in police custody while enquiries continue.

Witnesses reported seeing police and ambulance crews at the property during the evening, prompting concern among local residents about what had happened.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that officers remain at the scene while investigations are ongoing.

A spokesperson said there is no ongoing risk to the wider community and described the incident as isolated.

 

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Crime

Driver caught with three illegal drugs in system on way to MOT test

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Tenby stop check revealed cocaine and cannabis in motorist’s blood

ATTEMPTS to take his vehicle for its annual MOT has backfired after the vehicle’s owner was found to be driving with a cocktail of illegal drugs in his system.

Bradley Bostock, 27, was stopped by officers on December 16 as he drove his Ford Fiesta along Heywood Lane, Tenby.

But further investigations by officers confirmed he had 108 mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system together with 17 mcg of cocaine and 2.4 mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. The legal limits are 50, 10 and 2 respectively.

“There’s no detail of the rationale behind why he was stopped, but three drugs were noted in his blood,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan when Bostock appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

Bostock pleaded guilty to three charges of drug driving and was represented in court by Jess Hill.

“He was taking his vehicle to Tenby for an MOT that day but was stopped by officers for a stop check,” she said.

“He’s from Yorkshire and often feels isolated here as he has no family and uses drugs to help deal with his loneliness.”

Bostock, of Corston Cottages, Axton Hill, Pembroke was sentenced to a 12 month community order during which he must complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 90 hours of unpaid work.

He was disqualified from driving for 17 months and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.

 

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Crime

Father-of-three ordered to pay for bus stop damage after drinking binge

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Blood trail led police from damaged shelter to defendant’s home

A FATHER-OF-THREE had admitted carrying out over £500 worth of damage to a bus stop after a drinking binge in Milford town centre.

A blood trail led officers from the bus stop to Hawthorn Way, to the home of Hayden Dimond.

This week Dimond, 31, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates where he admitted the criminal damage offence.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan informed magistrates that the damage caused to the bus stop totalled £530.60.

“The defendant accepted responsibility in his police interview and pointed them in the direction of the damaged bus stop,” Diamond’s solicitor, Jess Hill, informed the Bench.

“At the time he was highly intoxicated and acted upon impulse.

“He had problems with binge drinking but now rarely consumes alcohol, but whenever he does, it’s monitored so he remains on an acceptable level.”

“What happened that night was not intentional.”

Dimond, Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, was ordered to pay £530 compensation to Pembrokeshire County Council and was fined £40. He must also pay £85 court costs and a £16 surcharge.

 

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