Crime

Suspended sentence following serious threats to a 14-year-old child

Published

1 year ago

October 29, 2024

A 58-YEAR-OLD man has been spared a jail sentence despite terrifying a 14-year-old child by threatening to ‘put him into the ground’.

John Jenkins was brought before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence after admitting assaulting and ill treating the child at a previous hearing, causing him unnecessary suffering.

“You shouted aggressively in the child’s face and you terrified him,” said District Judge Mark Layton when imposing sentence.

“You called him a bully which was ironic, because this is what you were at the time.”

The assault took place in the early hours of November 26, 2022 at a property in Jameston where the child lives with his mother.

Jenkins, of Quoits Mill Ponds, Hundleton and the child’s mother had spent the evening drinking at a local pub, and at approximately 10pm, the child went to the pub alone, looking for his mother, as he wanted her to return home. The couple declined.

They eventually returned the property at 2am, however the defendant became angry when he discovered the child wasn’t in bed.

Jenkins chased him upstairs and when the boy fell over, the defendant pinned him down by putting his arms on either side of him, preventing him from moving away.

“At the same time, the defendant made some very damaging comments towards the child in the nature of threats,” said Crown Prosecutor Nia James. “These were captured on the child’s mobile phone.”

Jenkins could be heard shouting at the child, “If you don’t change, I’ll put you in the ground.

“I’m not putting up with your s***, do you understand?

“Who’s the boss? Your mother is. So f*** off.”

Throughout the harrowing incident, the child could be heard crying and repeatedly saying, ‘Yes John.’

At one point he could be heard saying, ‘Mum, help me!’ while a woman’s voice could be heard saying ‘No’.

Jenkins was represented in court by solicitor Mr Tom Lloyd who said the defendant was deeply remorseful for the offence.

“The loss of control at the time was something that he deeply regrets,” he said.

Jenkins was sentenced to 24 weeks in custody suspended for two years. He must carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and was ordered to pay £154 court surcharge and £85 costs.

“If you commit any further offences, particularly towards this child, then you will be sent to prison. I want to be absolutely clear about that,” said Judge Layton.

He awarded no compensation to the 14-year-old victim.

“Given the age of the victim, the compensation will doubtlessly go to the mother,” he said. “I can’t see it going to the child, so there will be no compensation.”

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.