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Sunday, 23 January 2022

Traffic Cone Prank Lands Powys Man in Court

A Powys man ended up in court after police took umbrage at a prank with a traffic cone.

Cameron Townsend, 22, of Lon Derw, Newtown, admitted a charge of criminal damage when he appeared at Welshpool Magistrates' Court last week.

Criminal damage is an offence under section 1(1) of the Criminal Damage Act 1971. Criminal damage below £5,000 is a summary offence, with a maximum penalty of 3 months' custody and/or a fine at level 4. We have previously written a guide to the offence of criminal damage, which some readers may find of interest.

Magistrates heard that the offence took place on Wednesday, 18th August 2021, when Townsend placed a traffic cone on top of a police car parked outside Newtown Police Station.

Owain Jones, mitigating, said: "I don't know why an Adult Community Resolution was not given by the police. His phone had been taken by the police for an investigation. I hope that wasn't the reason why. He was convicted for communication with police, again with his protest.

"I would ask in light of that you consider an absolute discharge."

Townsend is currently subject to an 18 month community order in relation to a communications offence. Probation officer Julian Davies described his compliance with the order as "faultless".

Presiding Justice Cynthia McVey praised Townsend for his engagement with the order.

Sentencing, she said: "Although you are guilty, we do not think you need to be punished further because of your behaviour. However, a record of this conviction will be on your criminal record."

Mrs McVey added: "Probation can make a difference to your life, and its looks like it's going way."

No award for compensation was made, as no cost was given for making good the damage to the police car in question.

Oh dear. Another one of these cases where a bit of police discretion and common sense might have been more appropriate given the circumstances.

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