Crime

Man jailed after violent attack on ex-partner

Published

2 months ago

March 9, 2026

A MAN has been jailed for 18 months after breaking into his former partner’s home, spitting at her and throwing her onto broken glass.

Paul Gurney, aged 33, formerly of Merlin’s Bridge but now of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two offences of criminal damage.

The court heard that Gurney and the victim had been in a volatile relationship which ended shortly before the offences.

On October 1 last year, Gurney smashed a window in the door of the woman’s home and forced his way inside. Once in the property he grabbed her, spat in her face and threw her to the ground.

She fell onto broken glass from the smashed window and suffered cuts to her knees.

Days later, on October 6, Gurney returned to the victim’s home in Haverfordwest uninvited. The court heard he grabbed her by the throat and pinned her against a wall before punching the wall beside her head twice, causing damage to the property.

The court was told that Gurney has a lengthy criminal record, with 42 previous convictions from 30 court appearances.

At the time of the offences he was already subject to two suspended prison sentences — one of ten weeks imposed on October 7, 2024 for sending malicious communications, and another of 12 weeks imposed on October 28, 2024 for three shoplifting offences.

Defending, Ryan Bowen said Gurney had experienced a difficult upbringing but accepted that a custodial sentence was inevitable.

He told the court that the defendant had used his time in custody productively, completing courses in emotional management and addressing problems with drugs and alcohol.

Recorder David Harris told Gurney: “It’s clear you were in a rage.

“You were out of control. You were violent towards her. You were aggressive towards her.”

Gurney was sentenced to 18 months in prison. The sentence included the activation of two months from his previously suspended sentences.

The court also imposed a five-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim.

Crime

Trial by jury protest planned outside Cardiff Crown Court

Published

11 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Campaigners say the proposed reforms would weaken one of the public’s oldest legal protections

CAMPAIGNERS will demonstrate outside Cardiff Crown Court on Monday (May 18) in protest against government proposals which they say would severely restrict the right to trial by jury.

Local activist Roz Royson said she will join other campaigners outside the court between 11:00am and 4:00pm, handing out leaflets and speaking to members of the public.

The protest forms part of a wider national day of action organised by the Jury Alliance, with demonstrations planned outside around 30 crown courts across England and Wales.

Campaigners argue that trial by jury is a fundamental safeguard in the justice system and should not be removed or heavily restricted.

Ms Royson said: “This government’s current plan to get rid of trial by jury is relevant to every person affected by the rule of law here in the UK.

“There was an overwhelmingly positive response outside the court last time we were there. People in the street, when they learn about the plan, are outraged that the government intends to almost entirely do away with jury trials.”

The campaigners say they hope to raise public awareness and build opposition to the proposals, which they believe are “passing all too easily” without enough scrutiny.

The demonstration will take place outside Cardiff Crown Court tomorrow.

Crime

Man used vulnerable victim’s bank card at Milford Haven Tesco

Published

2 days ago

May 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A 41-YEAR-OLD man has been given a suspended prison sentence after using a vulnerable man’s bank card at Tesco Extra in Milford Haven.

Mark Anthony Hambrook, of Keeston, admitted fraud by false representation when he appeared before magistrates.

The court heard that Hambrook dishonestly used the card on April 29, 2025, spending £220.

Magistrates said the offence crossed the custody threshold because it involved a breach of trust, a vulnerable victim, and was committed while Hambrook was on post-sentence supervision.

He was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.

Hambrook was also ordered to pay £220 compensation, together with a £154 surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Cilgerran man denies breaching court ban on keeping animals

Published

2 days ago

May 16, 2026

Court Reporter

39-year-old accused of keeping a dog despite court-imposed disqualification order dating back to 2019

A CILGERRAN man has denied breaching a court-imposed ban on keeping animals.

Max Huntley, 39, of Castell Corwg, Cilgerran, appeared before Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 14) for a further case management hearing.

He is accused of breaching a disqualification order imposed under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The court register states that Huntley was disqualified following conviction and sentence at Swansea Crown Court on March 14, 2019, for an offence under section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act.

The allegation now before the court is that, on or about August 10, 2025, at Castell Corwg, Cilgerran, he breached that disqualification by having custody of a dog.

Huntley has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The case was adjourned to allow the prosecution to confirm details relating to the defendant and how a solicitor could contact him.

He was remanded on unconditional bail and must attend the next hearing at Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 27, at 10:00am.

The hearing is listed for further case management and is expected to last around 20 minutes.