Crime
Man admits punching woman ‘forcefully’ causing her to fall to ground
A COURT has heard how a woman, described as ‘vulnerable,’ was punched viciously to her face near a Pembrokeshire railway bridge, causing her to fall to the floor.
This week Matthew Evans, 36, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates court where he pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting Shan Jones by beating.
The court was told that earlier that evening Ms Jones and the defendant had been drinking together inside a Kilgetty pub.
“A female went inside a toilet and the defendant went in as well” said Crown Prosecutor Nia James.
“There was indicative talk in the pub of some illegal activity, and the couple were thrown out and the item was flushed down the sink.”
Nia James went on to say that members of the public who were standing outside the pub overhead the couple arguing close to the railway bridge.
“[Matthew Evans] had the female by the shoulders as they stood underneath the bridge, and he was quite noticeable as he was wearing a hi-viz jacket and was carrying a box of beer.
“He was seen wrapping his arm around her and pulling her in for a hug.”
But Evans was then seen punching the female to her face, causing her to fall to the floor. When Ms Jones got up, she was holding her hand to her eye and the witnesses said that it appeared to be red.
The witnesses notified the police of the incident however the victim refused to provide a formal statement of complaint to police officers.
District Judge Mark Layton was told by probation officer Julie Norman that at the time of the incident, Evans was suffering from alcohol and drugs misuse, however she believes there is now a ‘realistic prospect’ of his rehabilitation.
Evans, of Woodfield Avenue, Kilgetty, was sentenced to 12 weeks in custody suspended for two years. He must carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days which will include a ‘building better relationships’ course and an alcohol monitoring requirement. He was ordered to pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 costs. No compensation order was made to the victim as a result of her refusal to give a formal statement.
“There was evidence of drink and some evidence of drug misuse,” commented Judge Layton when imposing sentence.
“You left the pub, and without any real reason, you punched the victim to the face so forcefully that she fell to the floor.
“And what makes this worse is that in December 2022 you were sentenced for a previous assault on the same victim so she’s been assaulted at least twice to the degree that you’ve been brought to court.
“If you continue to act violently towards your partner, you’ll end up in prison.”
DR RICHARD LEWIS has announced his retirement as Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, bringing a 25-year policing career to a close.
The force, which serves Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys, will now begin the search for his successor.
Chief Constable Lewis, who was born and raised in west Wales and has worked across all four counties, described leading the force as “the professional privilege of my life.”
He said: “I have nothing but fond memories of working in this fantastic force, and in policing. It has been a real honour to work alongside PCC Dafydd Llywelyn, a true leader and nationally important figure in Wales who has invested so much in the development of Dyfed-Powys and the safety of its communities.
“I have every confidence that whoever is appointed the next Chief Constable will continue the force’s positive trajectory, which led us to cutting crime by 18% over the past 12 months – by some distance the biggest cut in crime anywhere in England and Wales.”
Following the announcement, Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn paid tribute to Dr Lewis, praising his leadership during a period of major change.
Mr Llywelyn said: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis for his service and dedication to Dyfed-Powys Police.
“His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the force through significant transformation over the last three years, ensuring we continue to provide an effective and efficient policing service to our communities.
“During his tenure, Dr Lewis has overseen a major force review, delivering essential reforms that achieved £10 million in savings. He has also modernised the force’s infrastructure, including the introduction of a new crime records management system – a critical step in addressing HMICFRS concerns about data integrity.”
The Commissioner confirmed that the process to appoint a new Chief Constable will begin in the coming weeks.
Deputy Chief Constable Ifan Charles will act as temporary Chief Constable until a permanent appointment is made.
Mr Llywelyn added: “On behalf of the people of the Dyfed-Powys area, I thank Richard for his service and commitment and wish him every success for the future.”
A CAMROSE man who thought he was grooming a 13-year-old girl has been sentenced at Swansea Crown Court.
Phillip Jackson, aged 42, of The Causeway, Haverfordwest, appeared before the court on Thursday (Apr 3) after pleading guilty to two offences: attempting sexual communication with a child, and attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.
The court previously heard that between September 22 and October 20, 2024, Jackson engaged in sexually explicit conversations online with someone he believed to be a young teenage girl. In reality, the account was operated by a decoy.
He also encouraged the supposed child to perform a sexual act on herself.
Judge Paul Thomas KC sentenced Jackson to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years. He must also complete 35 days of rehabilitation activity and carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.
Jackson was made subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
The Herald understands Jackson made full admissions during his police interview and had no previous convictions.
A FORMER Dyfed-Powys Police CCTV operator is appearing at Swansea Crown Court today (April 7) for a plea and directions hearing, facing charges of controlling and coercive behaviour, along with offences under the Data Protection Act and Computer Misuse Act.
Russell Hasler, who was arrested in 2023 by the force’s Professional Standards Department, had worked as a CCTV operator since 2019. He resigned from his post while under investigation for alleged offences said to have taken place between 2020 and 2022.
He was previously charged at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on March 5, 2025, and committed to the Crown Court for further proceedings.
The Herald understands that legal directions will be set today, with a trial date expected to be scheduled later this year.
Hasler remains on court bail.
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