Crime
Pembrokeshire drug addict jailed for crime spree
A PEMBROKESHIRE man whose life spiralled out of control due to drug addiction has been sentenced to eight months in prison following a series of offences across the county.
Rowan Clark, aged 24, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from Swansea Prison on Tuesday (Apr 16), having pleaded guilty to 12 separate offences committed while under the influence of drugs.
The charges included possession of a large knife in a public place, failure to attend a drugs assessment at Dyfed-Powys Police headquarters, interfering with a Blue Honda in Pembroke from which a Pandora bracelet and AirPods were stolen, and causing criminal damage to property belonging to Pembrokeshire County Council, valued at £602.78.
Clark also admitted damaging the door of Greathead and Whitelock Solicitors in Pembroke by kicking it—causing £62 worth of damage—as well as failing to surrender to custody after being granted bail.
He further admitted four separate thefts of alcohol totalling £105.60 and two thefts of groceries worth £55.90.
Clark, who is of no fixed address, was represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd, who told the court: “Each of these offences is linked to his issues with drug use. He’s also experienced homelessness, which has made things worse and led to more offending.
“When he’s clean, he’s a pleasure to be around. But he has gone on a downward spiral, and things have spiralled completely out of control.”
Mr Lloyd added that since being remanded in custody, Clark had begun to address his drug issues and was “benefitting tremendously” from the prison environment.
“He wants to better himself,” he added.
Magistrates were presented with a comprehensive probation report recommending immediate custody. Clark was sentenced to eight months in prison and ordered to pay £1,019.58 in compensation, £170 in court costs, and a £187 victim surcharge.
A forfeiture and destruction order was also made in relation to the knife.
Crime
OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters
A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.
Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.
The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.
His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.
Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.
Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.
Crime
Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls
A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.
Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.
The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.
She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.
Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.
As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.
Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.
She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.
Crime
Man sent to Crown Court over heroin supply and £5,500 cash
A MAN with no fixed address has been remanded in custody accused of possessing heroin with intent to supply and holding thousands of pounds in suspected criminal cash.
Kieren Jones, aged 28, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9).
He is charged with possessing diamorphine, a Class A drug, with intent to supply it to two unknown persons in Carmarthen on Friday (Feb 7), contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Jones also faces a further allegation under the Proceeds of Crime Act that he acquired, used or possessed criminal property, namely £5,500 in cash, on the same date.
No pleas were entered at the hearing.
Because of the seriousness of the offences, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to the Crown Court.
Bail was refused on the grounds that Jones was likely to offend, interfere with witnesses and fail to surrender to custody.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Swansea Crown Court, The Law Courts, St Helens Road, Swansea, for a plea and trial preparation hearing at 9:00am on Friday, March 13.
The custody time limit expires on August 10.
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