Pembrokeshire man jailed after repeatedly punching pregnant wife

Published

1 year ago

December 16, 2024

A Neyland man has been jailed after punching his pregnant wife repeatedly with a clenched fist.

As Declan Watt carried out the attack on his wife in the early hours of June 17, he was heard screaming at her, “I want the baby dead. I’ll kick it out of your c***.”

After listening to the facts at Swansea Crown Court this morning (Monday), Judge Catherine Richards described the offence as ‘at the very top end of the bracket’.

Caitlin Brazel, KC for the Crown, said that on the evening of June 17, Declan Watt and his wife visited friends in the Llanelli area.

“They turned up at a friend’s address and the defendant had been drinking alcohol and using cocaine,” she said.

“Spirits were high, but the defendant then received a text message and his mood changed. He became angry.”

At approximately 3am, Watt dealt his first punch on his wife.

“This was with a clenched fist, and it occurred on more than one occasion,” she said.

“He belted her, causing blood to splatter everywhere, and was screaming at her ‘I want the baby dead…I’ll kick it out of your c***’, believing that it wasn’t his child.”

Ms Brazel said the assault was observed by the female occupier of the property who attempted to clean the blood from Mrs. Watt’s face. While she was doing this, the defendant went into the kitchen where he proceeded to bleach the blood from his hand.

As a result of the assault, the complainant was admitted to the minor injuries unit at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli, where she was treated for nose injuries.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, Ms Watt said the incident has affected both her physical and psychological health.

“It’s caused complete disruption to my life, as I now live in fear of contacting him,” she said.

The Crown went on to say that Watt and another male person left the property just before 6am in a black 4×4. The vehicle was later apprehended by police officers and Watt was subsequently arrested.

After pleading guilty to assaulting Ms Watt by battery Watt, of Springfield Close, Neyland, was sentenced to 20 weeks in custody. Following his release, he will be the subject of a post sentence supervision for up to 12 months.

Judge Richards also imposed a restraining order which will prevent Watt from having any direct or indirect contact with his wife, and from entering any premises where she has occupancy. The order also prevents him from entering any data on the internet or social media which makes reference to her. The order will remain in place for three years.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.