Police issue warning after Pembrokeshire rave sentences
Police have warned they will continue to prosecute organisers of illegal raves after 10 men were sentenced over a gathering of 2,000 people in May.
Last week each was given a 12-month community service order, told to do community work and pay court costs after the rave in Dale, Pembrokeshire.
The clean-up costs following the bank holiday event were put at over £3,000.
Dyfed-Powys Police said it would continue to target "organisers and key players" if raves took place.
The 10 men, eight from England and two from Wales, had pleaded guilty to charges of holding an event without a suitable licence.
Nine have to carry out 100 unpaid work for the community and the other 160 hours. Each must pay £200 prosecution costs.
The charges against six others who had pleaded not guilty were withdrawn at the same hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates' Court last week.
Police set up road blocks and seized equipment after they became aware of the gathering at Dale Fort on the back holiday weekend.
But by then most of those taking part had arrived on site.
Following the sentencing Pembrokeshire council urged landowners to report any suspicious activity to its public protection division or police.
Supt Reg Bevan of Haverfordwest Police Station said: "We're pleased with the court's decision to issue significant community orders as well as costs, together with the seizure orders for equipment worth thousands of pounds, against ten of the defendants in this case.
"Those involved in the Dale rave behaved irresponsibly, many were abusive and aggressive towards police officers and members of the public.
"The large number of individuals that descended on Pembrokeshire without prior warning posed a serious risk to public safety and welfare.
"There were no health and safety or first aid provisions for those at the event.
"Neither were there any toilet facilities, the area where the rave took place was left in a disgusting state and the resulting clean-up operation cost taxpayers thousands of pounds.
"This sends out an important message to those who think they can get away with organising such illegal events in Pembrokeshire - they can't and they won't.
"We will do all we can to thwart illegal raves but even if they do take place we will still target the organisers and key players, and arrest them on-site and vigorously pursue prosecutions against them."