UK LOCKDOWN: “ What a bunch of idiots “

Bikers sent away from quarry

Gwent Police has criticised a group of bikers after fire crews were called to a blaze at a quarry in Risca.

The force said there were more than 15 people who were ordered to leave the area.

Brighton and Hove seafronts busy just days after lockdown extended

Brighton and Hove seafronts have been busy this weekend – just days after the UK lockdown was extended.

19th April 2020

Hove seafront

As the warm weather returned today (April 19), individuals were spotted sunbathing and even kayaking. It was announced on Thursday (April 16) the UK’s lockdown would be extended for a further three weeks. Brighton and Hove Police said on social media: “We know it’s lovely at the beach and an ice cream is very tempting but please remember that the coronavirus pandemic is not over. If you are out taking your daily exercise and tempted by a gelato or two, please maintain social distancing of at least 2m from each other and we shouldn’t have to say it, but no stopping to sunbathe. Do not let your guard down now.

This national health emergency is far from over and people who have Covid-19 may not display any symptoms. Act responsibility to keep yourselves, your families and the people around you safe.”

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Man jailed for wiping blood on officer's face

A man has been jailed after wiping blood on a police officer's face during the coronavirus pandemic.

Darren Connolly, 35, was arrested following the incident in Pembrokeshire last Thursday.

Dyfed-Powys police officers had been taking part in the weekly clap for key workers when they were called to an address in Augustine Way, Haverfordwest, after reports of a fire.

When they got there they noticed Connolly had blood on his hand, and asked him to wash it off - but he instead wiped it on an officer's face, the force said.

He was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and appeared in court on Saturday, where he was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison. He was also ordered to pay £120 compensation.

Chief Inspector Louise Harries said: “Once again one of our officers has been assaulted in an abhorrent way.

“Officers come to work to protect our communities and are doing everything they can to keep people safe. To be treated like this will never be acceptable.

“This can have not only a physical impact on officers, but a psychological one on them and indeed their own families."

Driver fined for Dorset to Cardiff journey

A driver has been fined for making a non-essential journey between Dorset and Cardiff, South Wales Police says.

People have been told to only travel for food, health reasons or work if they cannot work from home.

Elderly woman spat at on cycle path

In other news, an elderly woman has been spat at while walking along a cycle path.

North Wales Police said the woman was walking along the Lon Las Cycle Path near Glasinfryn, Bangor, at about 18:15 BST on Friday when she stepped off the path to avoid a group of four men and boys on their bikes.

"The first male on the bike narrowly missed her, the second spat at her, the third laughed and the fourth one clapped and cheered," the force said.

All four, aged between 12 and 30, were wearing dark grey, navy, or black clothing and were riding dark coloured bikes.

Jail for man who coughed in officers' faces

A man who coughed in the faces of two police officers after hinting he had coronavirus has been jailed for eight months.

Christopher Davies, 40, from Aberdare, was arrested last Wednesday when police found him at a family member's house after he breached a restraining order.

South Wales Police said: "As he was being cautioned, he resisted the arrest, and turned to the two officers, saying: 'Think you’re funny do you... anyway, you’ll have to take me to the hospital as I’ve got…' before coughing in the their faces."

Davies pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order, malicious communications, and two counts of assaulting a police officer.

Sgt Andy Price said: “His actions were despicable and won’t be tolerated - they caused significant worry for both the officers involved, who despite the risks to them are working hard to keep the public safe.

"He can thank himself for the eight months that he will now spend in prison and maybe use the time to reflect on what he’s done to get himself there.”

Three arrested after night of deliberate blazes

Three teenagers have been arrested after a 20-hectare (50 acre) blaze on a mountain above a village in the Rhondda Valley.

The man, 19, a 17-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl were stopped in a car on the A4059 at 04:45 GMT on Tuesday.

They were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent and are in custody.

It comes after the fire on the mountain above Ton Pentre - one of a number of deliberately started grass fires on Monday.

"The fires are putting lives and people's health at risk," South Wales Police said on Facebook.

In all, South Wales fire service attended 15 blazes, including on the the mountain above Ystrad in the Rhondda, where there were dramatic scenes as flames and smoke filled the sky behind homes.

In north Wales, the emergency services were called to a large mountain fire in Denbighshire on Monday evening.