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.

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

3 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

22 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.