The Chronicles of Ruination 2: January 2017

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Llandudno,North Wales - Seafront sewage leak sparks smell and pollution fears "Again!"

A drainage problem at the Grand Hotel has seen sewage spill on to the Pier Pavilion site

A sewage leak next to Llandudno Pier has caused a stink with concerns over the smell and potential leaks into the sea.

Council officers were called to the Pier Pavilion site where sewer waste had been seen on the land.

There had been claims it was related to groundworks on the site ahead of a planning application for a controversial restaurant and housing scheme at the location.

But officers at Conwy council say the problem was due to defective drainage from the Grand Hotel and not connected in any way to the works on the Pier Pavilion land.

The Pier Pavilion site next to the Grand Hotel in Llandudno

Llandudno Pier boss Adam Williams warned that the problem had to be dealt with or it risked causing damage to tourism at that end of the resort.

He said: "Wherever the fault lies this needs to be sorted out as soon as possible, it smells now on a dry day, imagine what it will be like when it warms up.

"This has the potential to cause serious harm to the pier and the resort if this drags on.

"There is also a risk of sewage leaking down into the sea which could impact on the water quality."

A spokeswoman from Conwy council said: "The Council did receive reports of a sewage leak.

"Upon investigation, officers were able to confirm that the problem was related to defective drainage from an adjacent property; we are satisfied that they are taking all steps to resolve the problem.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that all relevant works are completed."

Britannia Hotels, which owns The Grand, has not responded.

Alan Waldron, the developer behind the Pier Pavilion development, was unavailable for comment.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/llandudno-seafront-sewage-leak-sparks-12531474

Swansea,South Wales - Student used camera hidden in watch to film women going to toilet

Jordan Thomas had also accessed other people's computers and downloaded intimate pictures of women

A student used a spy camera hidden in a watch to film women going to the toilet, a court has heard.

Jordan Thomas's covert recordings were discovered when the suspicious-looking watch with a USB computer memory stick attached was found and its contents checked.

Police were alerted and began an investigation, and it then emerged the 23-year-old University of Wales Trinity Saint David photography student had also accessed other people's computers and downloaded intimate pictures of women.

Thomas, of Rhodfa'r Wennol, Cwmrhydyceirw, near Swansea, had previously pleaded guilty to installing or operating equipment without authority. He also admitted three counts of voyeurism, unauthorised access of computer equipment, and possession of a small quantity of cannabis when he appeared in the dock of Swansea Crown Court for sentencing.

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THE CRIMINALS LOCKED UP FOR LIFE IN WALES IN 2016

Tom Scapens, prosecuting, said the watch in question had a "spy-like camera" on its face which could record digital films. The watch and memory stick contained 16 movies running to more than two-and-a-half hours in total, though due to the limitations of the device it was not possible to say when they had been recorded. A further film was found on the defendant's Mac laptop computer.

He said that in some of the footage Thomas could be seen placing the watch before a female used the facilities, then later retrieving the device.

The barrister said: "Any images captured of private parts of the body were fleeting images and not of great quality."

Mr Scapens added that it was not known where the films were shot, but that they were not on university property.

The court heard a victim impact statement from one of the women caught on film in which she said she felt "violated".

Huw Davies, for Thomas, said his client was "deeply ashamed" of what he had done, and "bitterly regrets his conduct".

The barrister said the defendant was in his final year at university and had been told he would not be allowed to graduate if he were sent to prison immediately.

Judge Geraint Walters described Thomas's actions as shocking.

He told the defendant: "Outwardly you appeared a pleasant, decent, honest, young man — but underneath that there was a secret side to you."

Thomas was sentenced to a total of six months in prison suspended for two years, and was given a community order with a rehabilitation course. He was also put on the sex offenders register for seven years.

The judge put-over an application to have Thomas's laptop forfeited and destroyed after being told all the student's coursework was stored on it — he said he hoped the police would look again at the application.

A spokeswoman for the University of Wales Trinity St David said: "The student was immediately suspended from his studies at University of Wales Trinity Saint David when we were informed that he was the subject of a police investigation into an incident, which happened in private accommodation and not on university property.

"The university is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its students at all times and the incident was treated seriously and in accordance with strict university procedures."

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/student-used-camera-hidden-watch-12531614

Monday, January 30, 2017

Newport,South Wales - Teenager was beaten unconscious and left on road where he was hit by car

Connor Mockridge is still in hospital following the incident where he suffered injuries including a fractured pelvis and lost two teeth

A teenager suffered from a fractured pelvis and lost two teeth after he was beaten unconscious and left on a public road where he was hit by a car, a court heard.

Connor Mockridge, 19, is still in hospital following the incident on New Year’s Eve on Edward VII Avenue in Newport when he was rushed to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

On Monday, Alex Jones, 22, from Evans Street in Newport , appeared at Cardiff Crown Court , where he pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Jones, who appeared via video link from HM Prison Cardiff, denied an alternative charge of grievous bodily harm with intent, but prosecutor Gareth James said the pleas would be accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The prosecutor said Mr Mockridge was left with “really serious injuries”.

He said the victim suffered injuries including a fractured pelvis and lost two teeth, after he was beaten unconscious and left on a public road, where he was hit by a car.

"You know this is a very serious offence"

Stephen Donaghue, defending, said his client admitted assault in his first police interview and had already completed anger management courses in custody.

The defence barrister said the men were friends and Jones claims the victim has forgiven him.

Judge Micheal Fitton QC asked for an updated medical report, a report from the Probation Service and a victim personal statement.

He told Jones, who was wearing a long-sleeved grey top, he would receive full credit for his guilty plea.

Judge Fitton told the defendant: “You know this is a very serious offence.

“You know you are looking at a custodial sentence, but it is right the court knows a lot more about you and your circumstances.”

The plea and trial preparation hearing lasted for about 15 minutes.

Jones was remanded in custody until he returns to be sentenced on February 20.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/teenager-beaten-unconscious-left-road-12527659#rlabs=5%20rt$sitewide%20p$1

Pontypridd ,South Wales - Man was caught downloading child abuse – and his excuse was that he was 'addicted' to it

Jonathan Rowe, 45, was told by a judge: 'You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself'

A man who downloaded hundreds of images of child abuse for “perverted thrills” told the authorities he was “addicted” to watching the material.

Jonathan Rowe was found to have more than 10 hours worth of child pornography videos on his phone and laptop after initially telling police he had never searched for indecent images.

Sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court , Recorder Jones told the defendant: “You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself.”

The court heard police searched the 45-year-old’s home in Pinewood Avenue, Pontypridd , on Sunday, July 24.

Prosecutor Ruth Smith said he told officers: “I’m confident there’s nothing on my computer as nobody has been on it.”

Police seized his phone and laptop, which were found to contain 59 of the most serious Category A images, including 12 videos.

Experts also found 37 Category B images, including 10 videos, plus 110 Category C images, including five videos.

Ms Smith confirmed police discovered a total of 206 indecent images on the defendant’s devices.

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They found 11 hours and 30 minutes of videos, which the prosecutor described as a “significant length”.

The court heard Rowe initially denied responsibility, claiming the images must have been there when he bought the equipment.

He made admissions in a second police interview, accepting he had used the devices himself to view images of child abuse.

Rowe also accepted he had viewed indecent images while on bail.

Defence barrister Richard Ace said his client – who suffers from epilepsy, schizophrenia and depression – no longer uses the internet.

He said: “This is a very serious offence – he acknowledges that.”

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Rowe admitted three counts of possessing indecent images of children.

A report from the Probation Service concluded he presented a high risk of re-offending and a medium risk of causing serious harm to others, including children.

The court heard he told the probation officer he had viewed the images for sexual gratification and described it as “an addiction”.

Recorder Jones said: “Real children get sexually abused in order to provide perverted thrills for people like you. You know as well as I do that demand increases supply.”

Rowe was jailed for eight months. A 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order was made and his name will remain on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years.

The judge added: “I have come to the view that this case is so serious I would really not be doing my job properly unless I sent you to prison today.”

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http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/pervert-caught-downloading-child-abuse-12512204

Porthcawl,South Wales - Burglars threaten cleaner with crowbar during a raid on a golf club

Jamie Crake and Marcus Thomas admitted burgling the Grove Golf Club in Porthcawl in the early hours of the morning

A pair of burglars broke into a golf club, threatened a cleaner with a crowbar, raided the bar and grabbed cash from the till.

Jamie Crake and Marcus Thomas admitted burgling the Grove Golf Club in Porthcawl in the early hours of December 29 last year.

Sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court, Judge Michael Fitton QC told Crake – who had 15 previous convictions: “You are going to have to sort yourself out.”

The court heard the incident occurred around 4.30am at the golf club in Nottage.

Prosecutor Gareth James said the cleaner heard the sound of glasses clinking and saw the men behind the bar.

He said: “One of them was carrying a crowbar and told him to stay back.”

Marcus Lee Thomas (Photo: South Wales Police)

The court heard the cleaner ran to the other end of the building and called the police.

Mr James said the man was “shocked” and the incident left him scared to go to work.

He added the defendants took alcohol from behind the bar, as well as about £50 in cash from the till.

The court heard Thomas went on to commit multiple driving offences in Port Talbot later that morning.

A police officer recognised the defendant in a red Ford Fiesta on Commercial Road and approached the vehicle.

Mr James said: “The driver accelerated sharply and the officer saw smoke coming from the front tyres.”

The court heard the officer gave chase as Thomas accelerated above the speed limit and drove through several red lights.

Prosecutors said he swerved sharpy, narrowly missing two pedestrians who were crossing the road.

He then swerved again, drove down the wrong side of the road, mounted the pavement and drove along the pavement.

Other officers were alerted and the defendant was pursued, before being arrested.

Crake, 27, from Water Street in Port Talbot, admitted burglary.

Francis Jones, defending, stressed that little was taken and no damage was caused.

He argued the burglary was opportunistic, rather than planned, and there was no ransacking.

Judge Fitton noted Crake had “a terrible record” and jailed him for 16 months, as well as ordering him to pay a £140 victim surcharge.

Thomas, 27, from Western Avenue in Port Talbot, admitted burglary, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

The court heard he had 55 previous convictions, including 47 for theft offences.

James McKenna, defending, stressed no violence was used during the burglary and no injury was caused during the episode of dangerous driving.

Thomas was jailed for two years and disqualified from driving for four years, as well as being ordered to pay £140 towards victim services.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/burglars-threaten-cleaner-crowbar-during-12529071

Llandudno,North Wales - Cat dies from poisoning in Conwy county

Llandudno yet again!

The cat was found collapsed and shivering on Llandudno Road

A cat has died after being poisoned with anti-freeze in Conwy county.

The black and white domestic shorthair cat was found collapsed and shivering on Llandudno Road in Penrhyn Bay by a member of the public on January 25.

The cat was collected by the RSPCA and taken for a veterinary inspection.

Vets found that the feline had been poisoned by anti-freeze and had to be put to sleep.

It is believed the cat was a stray, with the animal charity saying there is no indication it had an owner.

The RSPCA is appealing for information and warning other cat owners to be “vigilant and cautious”.

Poisoning symptoms may include vomiting, seeming depressed or sleepy, appearing drunk or uncoordinated, seizures and breathing difficulties.

RSPCA animal collection officer William Galvin said: “This poor stray cat has lost its life due to poisoning. While we cannot be sure of the circumstances behind this incident, we are urging anyone with information to contact us.

“Our inspectorate appeal line can be reached on 0300 123 8018, and calls are treated in confidence.

“We’re also urging cat owners in the local area to be vigilant, and know the symptoms and advice. Anyone suspecting a poisoning incident should stay calm, remove their pet from the poisonous source and contact their vet immediately.”

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/cat-dies-poisoning-conwy-county-12527723

Llandudno,North Wales - 'caveman' back in court over Debenhams theft

Llandudno appears to be continually in the news for all of the wrong reasons these days!

Raymond Burton - who was found living in a cave on the Great Orme two years ago - avoided having a suspended sentence activated

A man who hit the headlines when he was found to be living in a cave on the Great Orme has been spared going to jail despite having a suspended sentence hanging over him for an earlier crime.

Raymond Burton, 54, stole £88 worth of fragrances from Debenhams in Llandudno while homeless.

Llandudno magistrates court heard Mr Burton was now off drugs and alcohol and living in settled accommodation - a hostel in Bangor.

Nia Dawson, defending Burton, said there was been a “real change” in Burton’s fortunes.

A four week suspended jail term had been imposed on him after he admitted theft on December 16.

But rather than jail him, magistrates extended the previous suspended sentence by another six months on top of the 12, and ordered he undergo rehabilitation.

They said it would have been “unjust” to jail him because of his more positive personal circumstances and co-operation with the Probation Service.

He was ordered to pay £200 costs.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/llandudno-caveman-ray-burton-court-12528525

Rhyl,Bodelwyddan,North Wales - Two men charged with attacking cops in Denbighshire in separate alleged assaults

In total three PCs and a PCSO were said to have been assaulted in separate incidents in Rhyl and Bodelwyddan

Two men have been charged in separate incidents after three police officers and a police community support officer were allegedly assaulted over the weekend.

Police were attending incidents in Rhyl and Bodelwyddan this weekend when the officers came under attack, it is said.

Deputy Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard of North Wales Police has slammed the incidents as “completely unacceptable”.

He tweeted: “3 officers assaulted this weekend, circumstances are completely unacceptable.

"More work for us to do to protect those who serve the public.”

The officers were said to have suffered “minor injuries” during the assaults.

North Wales Police tweeted: “2 men charged with assaulting 3 PCs and a PCSO after 2 separate incidents over the w/end in #Rhyl & #Bodelwyddan. Thankfully minor injuries.”

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/two-men-charged-attacking-cops-12527488

Wrexham,North Wales - 'Tramps, start looking for a job' sign in Wrexham

The company said it was not an official notice and the matter was being dealt with internally

National retailer Currys PC World has apologised for an unofficial sign urging "tramps" to stop raiding bins and "start looking for a job".

The sign was stuck up behind the bins at the rear of the store on Plas Coch retail park in Wrexham.

It read: "Attention Tramps – stop looking for valuables in our bins and start looking for a job".

The sign was spotted by Simon Hall from Secondhand Shed who said he couldn't see any harm in people, homeless or not, recycling rubbish from the store.

It has since been removed by Currys PC World.

Simon said: "To me as long as the homeless or whoever is looking in the bins does not make a mess I can't see any harm in it. In this day of recycling it surely is a good thing and if they make a few quid from selling what they find then fair play to them.

"And just look at the success these new restaurants are having using past sell by date food we are all still to keen to throw things away that still have plenty of life left in them.

"I go looking for boxes and packaging for sending my Ebay parcels."

Currys PC World store manager Iain Yarwood said: "I apologise for any offence that may have been caused to anyone who may have seen this sign at the back of our store.

“It is in no way an official notice and is not representative of the company’s or the store’s views.

“The sign has been removed and the matter is being dealt with internally.”

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/currys-pc-world-apologise-tramps-12527665

Abergele,North Wales - Man warned to expect jail over child sex offences

Kyle Pritchard, 25, admitted a number of offences including possessing indecent movies of children

A 25-year-old man has been warned by a judge he faces a jail term after admitting a string of serious sex offences.

Kyle Evan Pritchard, of Maes y Mor, Abergele , admitted inciting a teenage girl to exchange sexually explicit messages via social media between January 9 and March 31 last year when he appeared before Caernarfon Crown Court.

He also admitted possessing seven indecent movies of children. Two of these, the court heard, were classed as Category A, the most serious.

These offences were said to have occurred at Pensarn on June 1 last year.

A fourth charge of attempting to arrange or facilitate the commission of a child sex offence was ordered to lie on the file. Pritchard had denied the offence.

Kim Halsall, defending, said her client realised the seriousness of the offences but believed the court would be assisted by a pre-sentence report.

Adjourning sentence Judge Huw Rees granted Pritchard bail until the next hearing.

But he warned him: “By adjourning and granting you bail I am not sending you any signals.

“The likely result is a period of imprisonment. Custody will be foremost in my mind but I need to know more about you.”

Pritchard was told to sign the Sex Offenders register before leaving court.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/abergele-man-warned-expect-jail-12529336

Anglesey,North Wales - Jail for Anglesey man who assaulted mum and left brother missing three fingers

Jamie Warner broke brother's jaw and left him missing three fingers on his left hand, as well as breaking his jaw and assaulting his mum

A man who twice caused serious injuries to his own brother - including leaving him missing three fingers - has been locked up.

Jamie Warner admitted assaulting his older brother Scott, breaking his jaw, in a drunken fight before Christmas.

The 26-year-old of Maes Goronwy, Benllech also admitting a charge of dangerous driving on the A5025 at Pentraeth , Anglesey last August.

As a result of injuries caused in the accident his brother had to have three fingers on his left hand amputated.

Warner also admitted a charge common assault on his mother, and breaching a restraining order from the Christmas Eve incident and motoring offences from the earlier matter.

Jailing him for a total of three years Judge Huw Rees said: “I hope you are covered in shame every time you look at your brother and see his hand.”

Prosecutor Emmalyne Downing said the Warner and his brother had been out drinking in a pub last August and were approaching Pentraeth when the Ford Mondeo Jamie Warner was driving lost control and ended up on its roof.

She said Scott Warner told police he had looked at the speedometer and seen it pass 80mph and told his brother to slow down.

His next recollection was being on the side of the road speaking to a police officer and his hand wrapped in a cloth.

Both brothers were injured and taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd for treatment. Scott Warner was later transferred to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire at Stoke-on-Trent for further treatment.

Jamie Warner was charged with dangerous driving and appeared before a judge at Mold Crown Court on December 23 where he pleaded guilty.

Sentence, said Ms Downing, was adjourned for reports and Warner granted bail.

Returning to Anglesey both brothers went out that evening to a pub and on the way started arguing and this led to a fight the court heard.

Warner admitted punching his brother several times breaking his jaw in two places. He also suffered cuts and bruises.

Armed himself with knife

When his mother tried to intervene in the argument Warner went to the kitchen and armed himself with a knife although the judge accepted it was not used.

Defending barrister Dafydd Roberts said Warner accepted a jail term was inevitable.

He added Warner realised he has a temper and difficulty in controlling it after drinking alcohol.

“When sober he is a polite and courteous young man and says he is not going to drink again,” he said.

The matter should have been heard last week and the judge was critical of the way the case had been prepared by the Crown Prosecution Service.

He asked for a written explanation why important medical evidence had not been presented to the court.

After the hearing Detective Sergeant Daf Curry of North Wales Police said: “I hope today’s sentencing encourages other victims of domestic abuse to come forward.

“Domestic Abuse is a crime and with our partners we will do all we can it eradicate it from our communities and vigorously pursue those who commit these acts.

“Our thoughts remain with the victim and I hope too they are reassured by today’s action.”

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/jamie-warner-crash-benllech-jail-12529550