Crime

Swansea woman charged with unlawful wounding after night out gone wrong

Published

2 mins ago

November 29, 2024

A 24-YEAR-OLD woman, Sophie Thomas, of Port Tennant, was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended, at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 29). This follows an incident at Proud Mary’s Pub last year, in which a woman sustained a 2cm gash to her forehead as a result of Thomas’s actions.

On November 3, 2023, Thomas and her sister entered the pub’s toilets, where the complainant’s friend accidentally spilled a drink over Thomas. Prosecutor Ian Wright told the court: “Miss Thomas threw a drink over the complainant’s friend, and the complainant then felt a sharp pain in her forehead as Miss Thomas threw a glass at her head.”

In a victim impact statement, the complainant said: “I found it hard to process that someone could have assaulted me in that manner. I have become conscious of my appearance and am still struggling with ongoing anxiety.”

Defence solicitor Paul Williams argued: “In November 2023, she behaved in a moment of madness that night—completely out of character and plainly in a fit of temper. She is shocked that her behaviour has caused injury to another person. Moreover, she has a nine-week-old son and is a new mother.”

Upon sentencing, Judge Harris said: “Instead of letting it go when the complainant’s friend spilled a drink over you, you reacted in the most aggressive way. You and your sister approached this group, shouting threats. You threw your drink over the group and then threw the cup at the complainant, striking her on the forehead. She sustained a 2cm-long gash to her forehead. Your actions were thoroughly reckless. The real driving force behind your behaviour was the excessive alcohol you consumed that night.”

Judge Harris sentenced Sophie Thomas to a six-month suspended sentence, alongside 150 hours of community service and a financial penalty of £1,000.

Crime

Serving police office found not guilty of serious sexual assault

Published

17 hours ago

November 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A DYFED-POWYS POLICE officer has today been found not guilty of sexual assault by penetration following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

DC Sam Garside, based in the Ceredigion division, has been suspended from duties since July 2023 when it was reported that he had committed an offence while off duty in December 2021.

He denied the offence, and a trial has been held this week. A jury has today returned a not guilty verdict.

DCC Ifan Charles said: “This was a serious allegation made against an individual whose job was to safeguard the people of Dyfed-Powys, and as such swift action was taken when the report was made.

“DC Garside was immediately suspended from duties while a full and thorough investigation was carried out, and today’s verdict brings the criminal justice process to a close.

“It should be noted that the force will now consider whether any formal action needs to be taken from a police officer misconduct perspective in accordance with the statutory framework.

“While the outcome of the criminal proceedings will clearly be of direct relevance to this assessment, it is important to point out this is an entirely separate consideration.

“DC Garside will remain suspended from duty whilst this assessment is undertaken and any potential return to work will be dependent on the outcome of that assessment”

Crime

Lamphey man stole £1,300 from train passengers’ bags

Published

2 days ago

November 27, 2024

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A LAMPHEY man has been sentenced for stealing £1,300 in cash and bank cards from passengers’ bags on the Tenby-Pembroke Dock train.

The court heard that on August 11, Luke Brummit, 46, removed two rucksacks from the luggage rack and searched them.

“The defendant took the bags into another carriage, searched them, and removed a purse and wallet before leaving the bags beneath the seat,” Crown Prosecutor Derek Davies told magistrates.

Brummit also admitted stealing £86.06 worth of items, including two legs of lamb and bottles of beer, from Sainsbury’s in Tenby on September 19.

Defence solicitor Tom Lloyd said Brummit has since taken steps to address his behaviour: “He’s doing better than he’s ever done and is working to improve his conduct.”

Magistrates imposed an 18-month community order, including 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a 120-day alcohol monitoring programme. Brummit must pay £1,300 compensation to the victim, £86.06 to Sainsbury’s, a £114 court surcharge, and £85 in costs.

Crime

Ex-refinery worker sentenced for harassment and stalking in Milford Haven

Published

2 days ago

November 27, 2024

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A FORMER refinery worker has been sentenced after harassing his ex-partner by dumping rubbish in her garden and shouting through her letterbox.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard that on June 14, at around 6:20am, Kyle Allerton, 29, arrived at Leah Jenkins’ property in Milford Haven after attempting to call and text her earlier that morning.

“He rang her at around 6:00am, then turned up at her property at 6:22am,” Crown Prosecutor Derek Davies said.

“He shouted through the letterbox, demanding she come to the door or window to talk to him. He then emptied bins over her garden before driving off in a white van.”

Jenkins said in her victim impact statement: “I feel harassed by his actions and worried about what he might have done.”

Probation officer Courtney Colman explained that Allerton had struggled to cope with the end of their seven-year relationship, turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism.

“He was drinking up to ten cans a day, which contributed to his losing his job at the refinery,” she said.

Allerton pleaded guilty to harassment. Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order, including 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 10 hours of unpaid work. He must pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.