Ammanford
Garnswllt man who left lone shop worker shivering with fright after robbery attempt is jailed

A ‘dangerous and prolific offender’ whose threats of violence left a lone shop worker shaking with fright during a robbery has been jailed for over three years.
Ricky Lee Rossi, of Garnswllt, tried to assault a cashier at the Londis petrol station in Ammanford, before making off with two bottles of whiskey.
Dyfed-Powys Police arrested the 26-year-old suspect at his home just one hour after the offence was reported on December 11, 2020.
Detective Sergeant Rebecca Thomas said: “This was an extremely distressing incident for the victim, who was simply doing his job when he was faced with threats of violence from a man he challenged about stealing from the shop.
“Rossi had been seen putting two bottles of whiskey down his trousers, and reacted strongly when approached by the victim. He grabbed the phone the victim was trying to use to call for help and made attempts to punch and kick him.
“Fortunately, the shop worker was not physically hurt during the incident, but he suffered ongoing effects from the fear he faced.”
The victim described feeling uneasy and worried following the incident.
In a statement he said: “I was shaking and shivering for about two or three days afterwards because of what happened. For those two or three days what happened was running through my mind.
“Since this happened if anyone comes into the shop who has the same body shape as the man that attacked me I instantly get nervous. I start looking at them to see if it’s him coming back.”
CCTV enquiries were swiftly carried out, with footage showing the suspect – identified as Rossi – leaving the petrol station in a taxi. He was located at his home and was arrested on suspicion of robbery.
He was charged with theft from a shop and robbery – pleading guilty to the first offence and being found guilty of the second at Swansea Crown Court.
He was sentenced to 46 months in prison and was issued with a five year restraining order.
Ammanford
Man who filmed rape on Ammanford victim’s phone changes plea mid trial

A man who filmed himself raping an Ammanford woman on his victim’s phone has changed his plea to guilty midway through his trial.
Cameron Hassan, aged 31, of no fixed abode, attacked the woman, raping her as she slept on 21 August 2021.
Hassan had been on trial at Swansea Crown Court after denying any wrongdoing. However, after the jury was shown the video of the attack and hearing the victim was going to give evidence yesterday (Tuesday, 10 May), Hassan changed his plea to guilty.
Investigating Officer DC Sophie Lambert from Dyfed Powys Police said the victim had shown great strength and determination throughout the investigation.
“I must commend her tremendous courage in coming forward and the tenacity shown throughout the investigation,” she said.
“We hope this case demonstrates that Dyfed-Powys Police acts on serious allegations such as rape and sexual assault with officers working tirelessly to secure justice for victims.
“If you are suffering because of similar abuse, please contact the police, or if you would rather speak to someone in confidence, New Pathways are an independent charity that will support you through every step of the investigation.”
New Pathways can be contacted at 01685 379 310 or email enquiries@newpathways.org.uk
(Lead image: Google Maps)
Ammanford
Police appeal after cyclist dies in Garnant accident

Dyfed Powys Police have issued an appeal after a cyclist died in a single vehicle road traffic collision on Friday (6 May).
The accident took place around 8.45pm outside the Discovery Book Shop on Cwmamman Road in Garnant, Ammanford.
A spokesperson for Dyfed Powys Police said: “Sadly the 58 year-old male rider of the pedal cycle sustained serious injuries and passed away in hospital.
“We are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the pedal cycle at the relevant time, or who may have dashcam footage if they travelled along this stretch of road at the time, to get in touch.
“Also local residents and business owners are asked to contact Police if they have any CCTV footage covering the location.”
(Lead image: Google Maps)
Ammanford
Plans to close GP surgery in Tycroes revealed

Margaret Street Practice has applied to Hywel Dda Health board to close its branch surgery in Tycroes.
The surgery in Tycroes has been closed since February 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the building served as a ‘red site’ for the Amman Gwendraeth GP cluster.
Prior to the pandemic, the branch was used mainly for blood tests at the phlebotomy clinic.
Since its temporary closure, patients of Tycroes have used Margaret Street Practice, around two miles away in Ammanford.
There is a regular bus route between the two Surgeries.
In a statement, the health board said: “Margaret Street Practice, Hywel Dda University Health Board and the Community Health Council are working together to engage with patients of both surgeries to gain an understanding of how a proposed closure would affect patients.
“A period of engagement commences on Monday 9 May and runs until Friday 24 June.
“Should Tycroes close, the potential benefits for patients include more available appointments for all patients at the Margaret Street Practice, as staff would not be covering two sites, and earlier and later appointments could be offered from Margaret Street.
“Patients would still be able to use the Tycroes Pharmacy and the Practice would continue to send all requested prescriptions to the pharmacy.”
Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, Community and Long Term Care for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “We are committed to listening to and engaging with local populations around the proposal to relocate Primary Care services from Tycroes Surgery to Margaret Street and we would therefore like to invite patients to get involved in the engagement process.
“We are committed to working closely with the Practice and the Community Health Council throughout this process and will keep patients informed of the results of this engagement exercise.”
Vice Chair of Hywel Dda Community Health Council, Dr Barbara Wilson said: “GP services are so important to the communities they serve. When the health board comes to make its decision about the future of Tycroes branch surgery, it’s crucial that the public have their say.
“Whether people support this proposal or oppose it, the CHC will be ensuring that those views are heard and understood by the health board.”
The consultation is available online, on paper forms at Margaret Street Surgery, by calling 0300 303 8322, option 4, by emailing Hyweldda.Engagement@wales.nhs.uk or by writing to Tracey Huggins, Head of GMS Services, Primary Care Team, Felinfoel Community Resource Centre, Felinfoel, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA14 8BE
(Lead image: Google Maps)
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