News
Assault on police constable
A MAN who damaged several windows, assaulted a police constable, used threatening behaviour and entered part of a dwelling as a trespasser was dealt with at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Andrew Rees Watkins, aged 20 of Tan Bank pleaded guilty to all four charges. Prosecutor, Ellie Morgan said: “On Saturday (Aug 9), officers on patrol in Haverfordwest were called to Stokes Avenue at 4.10am regarding a male throwing stones at windows. Police arrived and they were told by a lady, who was awoken by the noise, that she saw Watkins throwing the stones at her property, and some had gone through the glass. At 4.15am, somebody else called the police regarding somebody throwing stones at their windows but had left. At 4.53am, he was back outside the property and had stolen the house keys from inside the porch.
He also kept shouting and asking him to come out for a fight. “When officers arrived, they called at Watkins’ home address and he came out and shouted ‘F*** off will you’. he tried to shut the door in the officer’s face, but the officer had stopped the door with his foot. Other officers at the scene reported that Watkins was using all of his strength whilst trying to close the door. Officers used pepper spray on Watkins and forced the door open. They shouted at him to calm down and used an open palm to his face to stop him pushing. He continued to resist and was lashing out.
He became more and more aggressive and Officer Early felt a blow to her face. Her tooth had gone through her lip and she said it felt like her tooth was loose. The defendant instantly said sorry when he realised what he’d done. “He had been out for a drink with friends and had gone to Labyrith and Eddie Rocks. He had six double vodka and cokes and a pint of lager. He had gone back to his street and started throwing stones, and couldn’t explain why. He was shouting to get the male out of the house and said ‘I was p***** and stupid. If he came out I probably would have hit him’.
He says he doesn’t know how he hit the officer, but it must have been during a struggle and that it was unintentional.” Defence solicitor, Gareth Phillips said: “Watkins pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. He said sorry to the officer and apologised whilst in the police vehicle. In terms of the burglary matter, he’d been friends with the complainant since they were children. Text had passed between them and it followed on from there.He went into the porch and took the key, he didn’t enter the house. He thought it would be funny to hide his key in the garden, but of course, it isn’t funny at all.
He was trying to prevent the officers from entering him home. Drink was involved and he acted recklessly.” Probation officer, Julie Norman told the court: “This is not a very pleasant incident. He had finished work and gone out socialising with friends. He recently had a falling out with the complainant where he’d received texts from the day before that he’d ignored, but alcohol influenced his decision. He regrets the whole thing and hasn’t been out since the incident. He feels that when he drinks vodka it makes him irate so doesn’t drink it.” Magistrates told Watkins: ‘We believe this is a one off offence’ and imposed a 12 month community order with the requirement of completing 150 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £50 compensation to Officer Early, £85 cost and £60 victim surcharge.
Crime
Crown Court backlog at a record high, Victims’ Commissioner warns
THE VICTIMS’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, has voiced profound concern over the escalating backlog of cases in the Crown Court, which has surged to a record 67,573 outstanding cases. This latest figure not only signifies a 1% increase from the previous quarter but also marks a staggering 65% rise from pre-pandemic levels and a near double increase since June 2019.
Baroness Newlove, reflecting on the dire statistics, emphasized the intolerable delays victims are facing, often stretching to years, before their cases are heard in court. With 27% of all outstanding cases now pending for over a year, the situation has reached a critical point, resulting in unprecedented strain on victims and the frontline services supporting them.
The duration from the receipt to the completion of cases at the Crown Court remains significantly above pre-pandemic figures, showcasing an 82% increase from the end of March 2020 and an 84% rise from the end of June 2019. Specifically troubling is the average completion time for rape cases, which now stands at 393 days, surpassing all previous records and highlighting a 52% increase from before the pandemic.
The Victims’ Commissioner pointed out the growing burden on victim services and the potential for increasing numbers of victims to withdraw from the process due to prolonged wait times. The statistics reveal a 14% victim withdrawal rate post-charge in the latest quarter, coupled with 26% of cases being adjourned on the day of trial, further exacerbating the challenges faced by those seeking justice.
Baroness Newlove criticized the apparent systemic issues within the judicial process, noting that despite a 4% decrease in new case volumes, the backlog continues to rise, with completed cases also experiencing a decline. This situation underscores the critical need for systemic reforms to address the inefficiencies plaguing the court system, ensuring that victims do not continue to suffer from prolonged delays in obtaining justice.
As the Crown Court backlog hits another record high, the call for urgent action to alleviate the pressure on victims and the judicial system has never been more pressing, with justice delayed increasingly equating to justice denied.
Entertainment
Easter Extravaganza: ‘Into The Woods’ takes the stage in Pembs
THE FISHGUARD and District Drama Society (FADDS) is set to dazzle audiences with its latest production, “Into The Woods”. Theatre enthusiasts across Pembrokeshire are in for a treat as the show embarks on a captivating three-day run at Theatre Gwaun starting Thursday, April 4th.
The production, which premieres at 7:00pm on Thursday, promises an exciting journey through a modern twist on beloved fairy tales, with additional performances scheduled for the following dates and times:
- Thursday, April 4th at 7:00pm
- Friday, April 5th at 7:00pm
- Saturday, April 6th at 2:00pm and again at 7:00pm
Tickets are swiftly selling out, urging potential spectators to secure their seats promptly by booking through Theatre Gwaun’s official website.
For over three decades, FADDS has been a cornerstone of the local theatre scene, bringing a plethora of productions to life at Theatre Gwaun. Their adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into The Woods” marks yet another milestone, enriching Pembrokeshire’s cultural tapestry. Since its Broadway debut in 1987 and subsequent West End premiere in 1990, “Into The Woods” has been a fixture in the theatre community, even inspiring a Walt Disney film adaptation in 2014.
The story weaves a tapestry of fairy tale quests, exploring the intertwined fates of beloved characters as they venture into the woods, each harboring their own desires and secrets. Questions abound: What binds a cow as white as milk to hair as yellow as corn? Can Cinderella attend the King’s Festival? Will Rapunzel escape her tower? And who is the mysterious figure obsessed with greens?
FADDS promises a show brimming with intrigue, laughter, and the timeless music of Sondheim, delivering a “fast-paced, super fun” interpretation of these classic tales. This amateur production, orchestrated in collaboration with Music Theatre International (MTI), guarantees a magical night out for families and theatre aficionados alike, blending nostalgia with the thrill of live performance.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this vibrant take on “Into The Woods” – a theatrical journey where fairy tales and reality collide, revealing the heart and humour of these age-old stories.
Education
Second Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament celebrates youth and skill
THE SECOND Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament drew participants from 21 schools across the region, culminating in a day of intense competition and camaraderie.
The tournament, reported by Vicky Brown, saw young chess enthusiasts gather for a day marked by strategic gameplay and exceptional talent. Henry Burton from Redhill emerged victorious, claiming the top spot in a closely contested field. The duo of Steffan Hughes and Huw Holliday, also from Redhill, followed closely in second place, while Osian Griffiths (Ysgol Caer Elen), Bryn Williams (Milford Haven Community School), and Iolo Hughes (Redhill) shared the third place, showcasing the depth of talent present among the participants.
In recognition of outstanding sportsmanship, Carys Callan from Redhill was honoured with the ‘David Pinch Award’, embodying the spirit of fair play and respect that marked the tournament. A special mention was given to Tyler Davison-Hall from Johnston CP School for participating in the Game of the Tournament, further highlighting the event’s competitive yet friendly atmosphere.
The tournament benefitted significantly from the expertise of Ian Eustis from the Welsh Chess Union, who served as Arbiter, ensuring the smooth running of the games. The event was also supported by Martin Jones and Scott Hammett, who took on the roles of stewards, and the Friends of Redhill (FOR), who managed the refreshments, contributing to the day’s success.
The local chess community, including participants and spectators, expressed their appreciation for the organisational efforts that made the event possible. For those interested in furthering their chess skills, the Pembrokeshire Chess Club extends an invitation to meet on Tuesday evenings in Steynton. Martin Jones, contactable at 07884384131, is available for further details regarding membership and participation.
Looking ahead, Redhill is poised to host its next chess tournament on Saturday, 8th June, promising another opportunity for young chess players to demonstrate their skills and passion for the game. The success of this event not only highlights the thriving chess scene in Pembrokeshire but also sets the stage for future tournaments that continue to inspire and engage the youth in the noble game of chess.
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