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South Wales Argus
09-07-2025
- South Wales Argus
Dashcam footage as banned driver reversed into police on M4
Christian Robjohn was jailed at Newport Crown Court for a series of driving offences in the early hours of November 7 last year. 'The utterly reckless and selfish driving which you displayed involved doing anything and everything to try to get away,' said Recorder Andrew Hammond as he jailed the defendant. Prosecutor Nuhu Gobir said a police officer in an unmarked car spotted a Skoda Octavia driving on Malpas Road in Newport at around 2.20am. The car's front and rear number plates didn't match, and the officer suspected the vehicle had been stolen. A stinger was deployed near Malpas Fire Station, and this punctured the car's front tyres. However, Robjohn continued up the slip road and on to the westbound M4. On the motorway, a number of police vehicles boxed Robjohn in against the central barrier and brought him to a stop. As one officer got out to arrest him, Robjohn revved his engine, reversed, and 'collided heavily' with the police car behind, Mr Gobir said. The officer arrested the defendant – who was on his phone. Checks revealed Robjohn was disqualified at the time, meaning he also had no insurance. Inside the car, officers found tools worth a total of £1,133.08 which had been stolen from B&Q in Cwmbran. Robjohn admitted dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, fraudulent use of registration plates, and handling stolen goods. Christian Robjohn tried to outrun the police on the M4 despite having two punctured tyres. (Image: Gwent Police) The defendant also admitted burglaries at three businesses in Cardiff on September 30, 2023, and breaching bail by failing to attend court. Mr Gobir said the managers of B&M and PureGym on Excelsior industrial estate in Cardiff and B&M in Pentwyn all received messages reporting break-ins at the stores. Robjohn and his co-defendant David Large used a Citroen Berlingo van to 'ram raid' the businesses, but they were both caught at the scene in Pentwyn. The court heard 43-year-old Large, of Ellwood Close in Trowbridge was sentenced to a community order for the burglaries. Mr Gobir said the defendant had 24 previous convictions for 50 offences, and that he had 'a very bad driving record'. Robjohn's defence counsel said his best mitigation for the driving offences was his guilty pleas. He said the 39-year-old defendant had viewed these proceedings as a wake-up call, and told him: 'I'm finished. I'm going to look after my family from now on and do the right thing'. The court heard that the defendant had already served the equivalent to a 21-month sentence in custody awaiting sentence and on licence. Robjohn, of Wakehurst Place in St Mellons, was jailed for a total of 21 months, meaning he will be released from prison imminently. He was banned from driving for three years, and must pass an extended retest.
Wales Online
07-07-2025
- Wales Online
'Vital cogs' in UK crime gang caught by police at Welsh builders merchants
'Vital cogs' in UK crime gang caught by police at Welsh builders merchants The criminals who police intercepted had travelled 250 miles from Lancashire as part of a 'large-scale and well-organised criminal enterprise' Benjamin Poyton (Image: South Wales Police ) Members of a "large-scale and well-organised criminal enterprise" were caught by police in a builders merchants, a court has heard. The men - who had travelled more than 250 miles to the Swansea area - were part of a criminal network which was using bank details stolen from elderly victims to buy copper piping and other items from unsuspecting suppliers which it then quickly sold on for cash at scrap yards. A judge at Swansea Crown Court described Benjamin Poyton and Liam jones as "vital cogs" in the conspiracy, though the identity of those higher up the chain in the organised crime group remains unknown. When he travelled to Wales one of the defendants was being investigated for similar offending in London. Dean Pulling, prosecuting, told the court that between March 19 and March 26 this year a series of orders were placed with two building supply firms in Swansea and the Swansea Valley - LBS in Landore and JA Daly in Ystradgynlais - for thousands of pounds worth of copper tubes and nails in the names of a various companies. The goods were then collected by the defendants in vans. The prosecutor said in reality all the company names given when the orders were placed were bogus, and the card details used to make the payments over the phone had previously been stolen from elderly and vulnerable people around the UK. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter The court heard that when another order was placed with LBS on March 26 the manager became suspicious at what was going on and contacted the police who attended the premises and lay in wait for the order to be collected. When Poyton turned up to collect the order in a Citroen Berlingo van he was arrested, and his reply to being cautioned was "I knew I was running on thin ice". The officers seized the defendant's phone but he refused to reveal the PIN telling officers: "No, I would rather that than chance what I have on that." The court heard that later the same day another phone order was placed with LBS, and the unknown caller also checked whether the first one had been successfully collected - the manager of the firm "played along" and said everything was fine. The manager again alerted the police and when Jones attended in a VW Crafter van at just after 5pm he was arrested by waiting officers. Article continues below The court heard that when officers searched Poyton's van they found a receipt for £824 from EMR scrap yard in Roath Dock in Cardiff and when police checked CCTV from the metal business they saw Poyton dropping off copper pipes on March 18, 19, 20 and 21. Further checks showed the two defendants had been staying in a hotel in the Swansea area. The court heard that the total value of the fraudulently-obtained items was just under £10,000. Benjamin Poyton, aged 36, of Blackburn Road, Darwen, Blackburn, and 28-year-old Liam Jones, of Norfolk Street, Blackburn, had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud when they appeared in the dock for sentencing. Poyton had also previously pleaded guilty to driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and driving without insurance while Jones had also previously pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and driving with no insurance. Poyton has previous convictions for 28 offences including drugs, dishonesty, violence, and public disorder matters. Jones has no previous convictions but at the time of the Welsh offending was being investigated by City of London Police in relation to similar matters. The court heard that in January this year he was disqualified from driving as a "totter" after accumulating 12 points on his licence. Dan Griffiths, for Poyton, said the pre-sentence report detailed how the defendant was being paid £200 by others for each trip he made with the money going to discharge a drugs debt. He said his client was at pains to point out that he had not been involved in obtaining the bank details of the elderly victims nor in placing the orders with the builders merchants, and said while others had done those things the two men in the dock were the ones who had been "taking the risk" and collecting the goods. David Singh, for Jones, asked the court to take into account the defendant's lack of previous convictions, his previous military service, and his good work ethic. He said the father-of-four was concerned about being absent from his children and his partner, and said the reality was "there must have been others above him in the chain". Judge Paul Thomas KC told the defendants they had been part of a "large-scale and well-organised criminal enterprise" to use payments details stolen from elderly and vulnerable individuals to fraudulently obtain building materials which were quickly sold on. He said it had been a "wide-ranging conspiracy" and said while others not before the court had been involved Payton and Jones had been "vital cogs" in the operation. The judge said while there was nothing to distinguish the offenders in terms of their involvement in the offending they could be distinguished in terms of their previous convictions and the prospect of rehabilitation, though he noted Jones had taken part in the Welsh offending after being released under investigation by police in London. With 20 per cent discounts for their guilty pleas each defendant was sentenced to 14 months in prison - Poyton will have to serve his sentence immediately but Jones' sentence was suspended for 18 months and he was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and do a rehabilitation course. Article continues below Judge Thomas told Jones he had avoided immediate imprisonment "by the skin of your teeth" and he noted while the defendant said he was concerned about the impact on his children if he were to be sent to prison, he obviously hadn't been so concerned about them when he involved himself in the fraud.
South Wales Argus
07-07-2025
- South Wales Argus
St Mellons banned driver rammed police car on M4 at Newport
At around 2.20am on November 7 last year, a police officer in an unmarked car spotted a Skoda Octavia driving on Malpas Road in Newport. The car's front and rear number plates didn't match, and the officer suspected the vehicle had been stolen. A stinger was deployed near Malpas Fire Station, and this punctured the car's front tyres, said prosecutor Nuhu Gobir. However, the driver - Christian Robjohn - continued up the slip road and on to the westbound M4. A number of police vehicles had now caught up with Robjohn. The Skoda made contact with the police cars, before the officers stopped him by boxing him in against the central barrier. As one officer got out to arrest him, Robjohn revved his engine, reversed, and 'collided heavily' with the police car behind. The officer arrested the defendant – who was on his phone. Checks revealed Robjohn was disqualified at the time, meaning he also had no insurance. Inside the car, officers found tools worth a total of £1,133.08 which had been stolen from B&Q in Cwmbran. He admitted dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, fraudulent use of registration plates, and handling stolen goods. Christian Robjohn tried to outrun the police on the M4 despite having two punctured tyres. (Image: Gwent Police) Robjohn also admitted burglaries at three businesses in Cardiff on September 30, 2023, and breaching bail by failing to attend court. Mr Gobir said the managers of B&M and PureGym on Excelsior industrial estate in Cardiff and B&M in Pentwyn all received messages reporting break-ins at the stores. Robjohn and his co-defendant David Large used a Citroen Berlingo van to 'ram raid' the businesses, but they were both caught at the scene in Pentwyn. The court heard 43-year-old Large, of Ellwood Close in Trowbridge was sentenced to a community order for the burglaries. Mr Gobir said the defendant had 24 previous convictions for 50 offences, and that he had 'a very bad driving record'. Robjohn's defence counsel said his best mitigation for the driving offences was his guilty pleas. He said the 39-year-old defendant had viewed these proceedings as a wake-up call, and told him: 'I'm finished. I'm going to look after my family from now on and do the right thing'. The court heard that the defendant had already served the equivalent to a 21-month sentence in custody awaiting sentence and on licence. 'The utterly reckless and selfish driving which you displayed involved doing anything and everything to try to get away,' said Recorder Andrew Hammond. Robjohn, of Wakehurst Place in St Mellons, was jailed for a total of 21 months, meaning he will be released from prison imminently. He was banned from driving for three years, and must pass an extended retest.
Wales Online
27-06-2025
- Wales Online
Man killed in Porth crash was an 'incredible' father with 'unwavering love' for his family
Man killed in Porth crash was an 'incredible' father with 'unwavering love' for his family Ian Winder, 46, who died following a collision on the A4233, in Porth 'brought joy, comfort, and strength to his family and friends' The family of Ian Winder have payed tribute to the 46-year-old man who died following a collision (Image: South Wales Police ) The family of Ian Winder, a 46-yea-old man who tragically lost his life in a collision on the A4233 in Porth on Wednesday, June 18, have shared a heartfelt tribute. The Manchester United super fan was a father to four and a grandfather to two. South Wales police are appealing to witnesses of last week's accident to come forward regarding the collision involving a blue Ford Fiesta and a silver Citroen Berlingo. If anyone has any information they are to contact the police. The family said: "As a family we are truly heartbroken and devastated and we ask for time to grieve and process the loss of Ian." Don't miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here . They continued: "Ian was an incredible father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. His warmth, kindness, and unwavering love touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. "To know Ian was to love him-he had a rare gift for making people feel seen, valued, and uplifted. "His sense of humour was legendary; sharp, quick, and delightfully mischievous. Ian had a way of lighting up every room he entered, not just with laughter, but with his unmistakable presence and unforgettable character. He brought joy, comfort, and strength to his family and friends every single day." Article continues below The football super-fan never missed a Manchester United game on TV. His heart belonged to the Red Devils, but he also had a soft spot for his three beloved Dachshunds, who were rarely far from his side. As much as he loved football and his dogs, nothing brought him more joy than simply being with his family-that's when he was truly at his happiest. The family added that they "would also like to express their sincere thanks to all members of the emergency services who responded on the evening of the incident. We are especially grateful to the South Wales Police Family Liaison Officer for their support and guidance, and to the wider public for their overwhelming kindness and thoughtful messages during this incredibly difficult time. "He will be missed beyond words-but his spirit, laughter, and the love he gave so freely will live on in all of us.". The Serious Collision Investigation Unit's officers are still appealing for information regarding the collision involving a blue Ford Fiesta and a silver Citroen Berlingo. They are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or possesses any CCTV footage of the event or the driving prior to it. Contact the force and quote reference 2500192693. Article continues below You can also do so through the following methods: Live Chat Contact us via Phone 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 Call 999 in an emergency.
Sunday World
27-06-2025
- Sunday World
Plumber is fined and loses licence for three years after drink drive conviction
Michael Fee, Blackstaff, Inniskeen, Co. Monaghan, contested the charge which arose after he was stopped by Gardaí at Castletown Road, Dundalk, in the early hours of April 29, 2024. A 41-year-old plumber has been fined €500 and disqualified from driving for three years after being convicted of drink driving. Michael Fee, Blackstaff, Inniskeen, Co. Monaghan, contested the charge which arose after he was stopped by Gardaí at Castletown Road, Dundalk, in the early hours of April 29, 2024. Gda Leah Shipley gave evidence that at 1.43am, while observer in a Garda vehicle, she spotted a white Citroen Berlingo van driving 'unusually slowly' and swerving across the centre white line on Castletown Road. This vehicle was indicated to pull over and it did. A man got out and stumbled before going onto the footpath. She approached. There was a smell of drink from him and his speech was slurred. He handed her a full Irish driving licence. Gda Shipley said that she formed her opinion (than an offence had been committed) and at 1.47am arrested Mr Fee on suspicion of drink driving. He subsequently provided an over the limit reading of 90mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The defendant refused to sign the Section 13 statements (Evidenzer machine printouts), nor did he take a copy. Stock image News in 90 Seconds - June 27th Cross-examined by barrister Martin Dully, instructed by solicitor Frank McDonnell, Gda Shipley said another garda jeep, containing two Gardaí, was in front of them and it brought the accused to a stop after the blue lights and siren were activated. She was first to speak with Mr Fee. The other guards exited their vehicle at the same time. It was not possible that a colleague beat her to it. Mr Dully put it to the witness was it possible she was the 'nominated officer to get the collar' to which Gda Shipley replied, 'Absolutely not'. She couldn't recall her colleagues speaking to the driver. She did explain to the defendant why he was stopped. She didn't question him about alcohol consumption. Applying for a dismissal, Mr Dully said that in Gda Shipley's direct evidence there was no reference to the fact the other garda vehicle was responsible for pulling Mr Fee over. There was 'a less than frank' explanation to what occurred. It was extremely unlikely that there was no interaction between other Gardaí and Mr Fee. Counsel submitted there was 'some troubling evidence'. He asked could the court accept Gda Shipley's account as true and complete? Inspector Martina Gallagher responded that it was unfair to say Gda Shipley had not told the truth. Judge Nicola Andrews said that Mr Dully was doing his job and that she would 'assess that'. The judge said that she was satisfied the evidence of detection and arrest was in order. Mr Fee did not give evidence. The court heard of one previous conviction for drink driving in 2005. Mr Dully said that was effectively 20 years ago. An additional mandatory disqualification only applied within the preceding period of four years. The defendant was a plumber, dependent on his ability to drive. He will almost certainly lose his job. He had instructed to apologise. Judge Andrews said that if he came into court again and got 'any class' of a Road Traffic conviction, 'the consequences will be dire'. Bail to appeal was set at a €500 cash bond. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
