Crime

Man admits punching woman ‘forcefully’ causing her to fall to ground

Published

2 years ago

October 29, 2024

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.”

Crime

Police appeal after reported rape at Young Farmers rally

Published

6 hours ago

June 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an allegation of rape at a Young Farmers Club rally in Builth Wells.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident was reported to have taken place at Wernhalog Farm on Saturday, June 13.

Officers said it happened in the portaloo area sometime between 11:00pm and 11:45pm.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information which could help the investigation, is asked to contact police.

Reports can be made online through the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through the Crimestoppers website.

Quote reference: 26*472649.

Crime

Dock woman given mental health treatment order after supermarket thefts

Published

1 day ago

June 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has been placed on a mental health treatment requirement after repeatedly stealing meat, cheese and other grocery items from local supermarkets.

Lisa Stewart, 45, admitted three theft offences when she appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

The first offence took place on March 11, when Stewart stole Vanish, Lenor and three packs of Persil capsules from Home Bargains in Pembroke Dock, with a total value of £58.41.

The following month, she stole four small beef joints, four steaks and three blocks of cheese from Asda in Pembroke Dock, worth £55.68.

Seven days later, she stole four legs of lamb from Farmfoods in Pembroke Dock, valued at £99.96.

Stewart, of Truscott House, London Road, Pembroke Dock, also pleaded guilty to failing to surrender to police bail on or around May 26.

She was represented in court by solicitor Alaw Harries, who told magistrates the thefts involved items of relatively low value and were not the result of “sophisticated offending”.

“The defendant has had an exceptionally difficult time, as last year she lost her partner to cancer and has struggled profoundly to process that grief,” said Ms Harries.

“Instead, she has attempted to cope by taking more of her prescribed medication than she should. And this is what has led her to be here today.”

Ms Harries said Stewart is now motivated to address her issues.

Magistrates sentenced Stewart to an 18-month community order. She must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement.

The order will include monthly reviews in court.

Stewart must also pay £214.05 compensation to the supermarkets, together with a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Grandmother banned after cocaine drug-drive offence

Published

1 day ago

June 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A GRANDMOTHER has been banned from the roads after being caught behind the wheel with 800 mcg of a cocaine metabolite in her system.

Eleri Phillips, 57, was stopped by police in the early hours of December 18 as she drove her Audi Q5 along Derwent Avenue, Steynton.

A roadside drugs swipe proved positive, and further blood tests carried out at the police station showed she had 45 mcg of cocaine in her system and 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite.

The legal limits are 10 mcg and 50 mcg respectively.

Phillips, of Brook Close, Steynton, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges when she appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates. She was legally represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher.

“She is absolutely ashamed of what has happened,” Mr Kelleher told the court.

“She had been out with friends that evening and someone offered her cocaine. Very foolishly, she took it.

“As a result, she is now going to be disqualified from driving, which is going to cause problems not only for her but for her family, as she regularly helps look after her grandchildren with general pick-ups from school.”

Phillips was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £120. She must also pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.