Crime

Dock woman sentenced after assault on neighbour during ‘psychotic episode’

Published

1 month ago

January 14, 2026

Victim said she now feels anxious leaving home after being struck with metal socket at block of flats

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has been sentenced after assaulting her neighbour with a metal socket while experiencing what the court was told was a ‘psychotic episode’.

Jodie Roberts, 31, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week after pleading guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Patricia Williams.

Crown Prosecutor Charlotte Thomas said the incident happened at a block of flats in Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, on June 13, 2025.

Roberts was seen running through the communal area brandishing a metal socket before approaching Ms Williams, who lives in the same building.

“She swung it into the complainant’s face and kicked her in the stomach,” Ms Thomas told magistrates.

“As a result, the victim sustained bruising and swelling to her left eye and face, as well as cuts and grazes.”

The court heard the assault was brought to an end when the defendant’s mother stepped between the two women.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, Ms Williams said the incident had left her frightened in her own home.

“The incident has made me feel extremely anxious and nervous, particularly whenever I leave home,” she said.

“I’m scared to go to my car which is at the back as I know [Jodie Roberts] smokes out of her window. I now feel safe whenever I’m at work but start feeling scared again every time I go home.”

Roberts was represented by solicitor Jess Hill, who said her client had not been “in a normal state of reality” at the time.

“She thought she was being watched, she thought people were after her and she was under threat from the people around her, including her neighbour,” she told the court.

Ms Hill said Roberts had been working hard to stabilise her mental health and was engaging with support.

“She’s fought very hard for herself, and has sought counselling off her own bat and is engaging with her GP,” she said. “She now feels positive and hopeful for her future and wants to maintain what she’s worked so hard to achieve.”

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Roberts was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to Patricia Williams, fined £80, and told to pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

A two-year restraining order was imposed, banning Roberts from contacting Patricia Williams, entering the top floor of the Bush Street flats, or making any reference to her on any electronic device or on social media.

Crime

Man who threw corrosive liquid at guest and fled abroad jailed

Published

14 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Court Reporter

A BUSINESSMAN who threw a corrosive liquid into a guest’s face during a row at a spiritual retreat before fleeing the country has been jailed for 18 months.

Dean Mayze, aged 38, from Abercrave in Powys, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm following the attack at his Hafan-y-Coed retreat in December 2022.

Swansea Crown Court heard the assault happened after an argument with guest Keifer Price, who had complained about the condition of his accommodation, including a lack of heating and washing facilities.

During the confrontation, Mayze produced a blue container and threw its contents upwards into the victim’s face.

The liquid — described as smelling like ammonia — entered Mr Price’s eyes, nose and mouth, leaving him in severe pain and struggling to breathe.

Medical evidence confirmed injuries consistent with a chemical burn to both eyes. He suffered abrasions, a corneal defect and the loss of the outer corneal layer in one eye, requiring significant treatment to prevent permanent sight loss. He has since recovered without lasting injury.

Fled across Europe

Following the attack, Mayze fled the UK, triggering an international search.

The court heard he travelled across several European countries, including Ireland, France, Italy, Croatia and Greece, before eventually being arrested in Romania in 2025.

Despite being on the run, he remained in regular contact with police by text and email, at one point telling officers he would not be returning to Wales.

His partner initially claimed responsibility for the assault and later received a suspended prison sentence after admitting perverting the course of justice.

Previous conviction

The court was told Mayze has a previous conviction for wounding involving a corrosive substance in Kent in 2013.

Defence barrister Andrew Taylor said his client had experienced harsh conditions while detained in Romania, including contracting scabies without treatment, and described him as remorseful.

However, Judge Geraint Walters said it was “pure luck” the victim had not suffered permanent injuries, describing the attack as a “particularly wicked way of inflicting violence”.

Sentence and order

Mayze, who appeared via video link from prison, had previously denied a more serious charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and made subject to a three-year restraining order.

Crime

Police appeal after man injured in St Davids incident

Published

20 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an incident in St Davids which left one man injured.

The incident happened in Nun Street at around 11:10am on Tuesday, December 30. The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment.

Officers confirmed that a man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident.

Police are now asking anyone with information, dash cam footage, or CCTV that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online at:
https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/

Alternatively, email [email protected], send a direct message via social media, or call 101 quoting reference DP20251230094.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Sexual assault allegation to be tried

Published

20 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Accused granted conditional bail

A SEXUAL assault allegation has been listed for trial following a hearing before magistrates.

David Fletcher, 45, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, appeared before magistrates in Llanelli on Thursday (Feb 12) charged with sexual assault, contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The charge alleges that on March 16, 2025, at Johnston, Pembrokeshire, he intentionally touched a woman aged 16 or over and that the touching was sexual when she did not consent and he did not reasonably believe that she was consenting.

The matter was adjourned for trial and Fletcher was remanded on conditional bail.

The trial is listed for March 9, 2026 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. Bail conditions prohibit him from entering a specified premises in Johnston, from contacting directly or indirectly the complainant or any prosecution witnesses, and from posting any information relating to the investigation on social media. The conditions were imposed to prevent further offending and to prevent interference with witnesses or obstruction of justice.