A WITNESS who filmed two men – one with a knife – leaving the scene of a burglary has been commended for her actions as the offenders are jailed.
Dyfed-Powys Police has thanked a key witness who challenged Daniel Williams and Corey Nightingale and filmed them following a burglary at a 78-year-old widow’s house in Llanelli in March.
The woman saw the offenders running from her elderly neighbour’s house in New Dock Road, where they had stolen a purse containing £60 and an Amazon Kindle.
She notified the victim, who was with a friend next door, and the police were called.
DS Matthew Bromfield said: “At first, it was unclear if we were dealing with a street robbery, as numerous calls had been made reporting two or three men with knives in the area, and officers from the armed response unit were deployed.
“It was established quickly by officers at the scene that two men had committed a walk-in burglary at a house, and they were suspected to be in possession of knives. They had been seen trying doors in the area, before successfully gaining entry to the victim’s house.
“Fortunately, the 78-year-old widow was in the neighbour’s house next door when the offence took place. Neighbours opposite had alerted her and recorded some of the incident on a mobile phone, which provided us with key evidence against them.”
Officers carried out an area search to find the men – with Nightingale located up to his waist in water nearby in Morfa. Police had to enter the water to get him out, and he was arrested on suspicion of burglary and possession of a bladed article.
Williams was found at his home in Great Western Crescent and both were taken to police custody, where they were later charged.
DS Bromfield said: “This incident could have had more serious consequences as both males were under the influence of alcohol. A co-ordinated approach meant Nightingale and Williams were swiftly arrested, and the incident was contained.
“I would particularly like to thank the officers who risked their safety by going into the water to arrest Nightingale.
“Extensive forensic and witness work went into this case thanks to response teams and CID, resulting in both defendants pleading guilty to their charges.”
The pair appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, May 29. Cory Nightingale, aged 22, of George Street, Llanelli, pleaded guilty to burglary and possession of a bladed article, and was sentenced to 13 months in prison. Daniel Williams, aged 31, of Great Western Crescent, Llanelli, admitted a charge of burglary and was sentenced to nine months in prison.
His Honour Judge Paul Thomas commended the actions and bravery of the witness who challenged the defendants and recorded them on their phone.
DS Bromfield said: “I echo the sentiments of the judge in this case, and would like to thank the witness for her assistance in providing us with key evidence to support the investigation. The footage she provided from her mobile phone undoubtedly helped in securing early guilty pleas from Nightingale and Williams.”
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