Milford man dealt ‘persistent’ blows on girlfriend after urinating in flat

Published

3 months ago

December 16, 2024

A Milford man has been sentenced after urinating in his girlfriend’s flat before subjecting her to ‘persistent’ blows to her head.

Today (Monday), Swansea Crown Court was told that Zachariah Roberts carried out the attack after downing copious amounts of alcohol, including an entire bottle of vodka, on the night of November 7.

“When she told him not to urinate in her flat, he assaulted her causing nosebleeds and lumps to her head,” Francesca Parry, KC for the Crown, told Swansea Crown Court.

“When police officers arrived, they met the victim in the hallway of the flat…she was crying and hysterical and told them that he’d punched her all over and wouldn’t stop.”

Ms Parry said that Roberts, 23, of Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, had ‘drunk hard’, including a bottle of vodka.

Roberts was arrested, but during a police interview he denied the offence. He pleaded not guilty during his first court appearance before Llanelli Magistrates, but changed his plea to guilty to assault by battery during the pre-trial preparation hearing at Swansea Crown Court earlier this month.

Francesca Parry concluded by saying that Roberts already has 11 previous convictions, which include three convictions against a person. The latest offence was committed while Roberts was serving a suspended prison sentence for violence against the same victim.

“The victim has described the assault as persistent and has expressed that she’s since had unwanted contact from the defendant,” continued Ms Parry. “He’s been contacting her from prison, even though he isn’t allowed to do so.”

Roberts was legally represented by Emily Bennett, KC.

“He’s disappointed in himself and his actions, and wants to apologise to her for his unacceptable behaviour,” she said.

“He’s at the stage where he’s progressing from teenage years to adulthood, however his first offence was committed when he was just 12 years old.

“His behaviour is indicative of his lack of maturity, and he appreciates the seriousness of his actions, which have brought him to court yet again. He accepts that the relationship is now over and he’s seeking to move on with his life.”

Roberts was sentenced to 25 weeks in custody. Half of his sentence will be spent in custody and the remainder will be spent on post sentence supervision. Judge Catherine Richards imposed a restraining order, preventing Roberts from having any contact with the victim for the next three years.

News

TerraQuest to provide planning portal services across Wales under new agreement

Published

3 hours ago

March 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TERRAQUEST will provide its Planning Portal service for planning applications in Wales from 31 March 2025, following an agreement with the Welsh Government.

The launch of Planning Portal, which is already used for more than 97% of planning applications across England, will enable applicants to submit applications and receive vital updates in respect of Welsh sites.

The new service will be bi-lingual, offering both Welsh and English language options. Current users of Planning Applications Wales will be able to keep the same account and transfer to the new service.

Applicants will benefit from an improved service, including standardised payment options across all 25 Welsh authorities which, in turn, will streamline application submissions and address a key cause of invalidations.

In addition, Planning Portal will offer a built-in location plan tool that generates compliant plans, captures spatial data and transfers digitally to the Welsh authorities – reducing reliance on third-party tools.

The new portal will also ease the process for developers operating in both England and Wales, with a uniform experience across both countries.

It is anticipated that additional features will be added, including integration with building control applications, enabling a comprehensive service from a single platform.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans said: “We said we wanted to streamline the planning process in Wales and speed up the decision-making process on important projects and that’s exactly what we are doing. This seamless transition to a trusted provider and partner will help ensure consistency and speed across the planning process and provide continuity for applicants.”

Geoff Keal, CEO at TerraQuest added: “We will deliver both a seamless transition and an enhanced user experience for customers. Planning Portal is a tried and tested planning tool that offers a highly efficient service that has helped thousands of consumers navigate and keep up-to-speed with the progress of their applications. We look forward to working with the Welsh Government and new customers in Wales.”

Charity

Tenby Round Table donates £2,336 to Paul Sartori Foundation

Published

19 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION, Pembrokeshire’s hospice-at-home charity, has received a donation of £2,336 from Tenby Round Table, funding the purchase of two specialised Minuet 2 hospital-style beds to enhance patient comfort at home.

Representatives from the Tenby Round Table visited Paul Sartori House on Tuesday (Mar 4) to meet the team and see how their donation is making a difference. The charity’s Equipment Loan Team demonstrated the new beds, highlighting their benefits for end-of-life patients wishing to spend their final days at home.

Amanda Elmes, Equipment Assistant, and Mark Bunyan, Equipment Technician, explained how the beds provide essential support, with families expressing deep gratitude for their availability, even if used for just a short period.

Will Davies, Chairman of Tenby Round Table, said: “The decision to donate was unanimous because we all strongly believe in the invaluable service Paul Sartori provides to families in need.”

Joost Geertman, past president of Tenby Round Table, shared a personal connection, having recently accessed the charity’s services for a family member. He said: “It’s heartening to see how Paul Sartori supports people at the most critical times of their lives. I know firsthand the difference it makes to families locally.”

The Paul Sartori Equipment Loan Service plays a crucial role in supporting end-of-life patients across Pembrokeshire. In 2023/24, the team delivered over 1,700 items of equipment—an average of 32 per week—including beds, wheelchairs, commodes, chairs, and mattresses, all provided at no cost.

Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Facilitator, emphasised the importance of donations in sustaining their work. She said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Tenby Round Table. We rely heavily on donations and grants to continue complementing statutory services. Beds are among the most important items we loan, offering comfort and support when it is most needed.”

The Paul Sartori Foundation provides a range of services beyond equipment loans, including home nursing care, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, advance care planning, and training. The charity also operates a 24-hour advice line, available seven days a week, with a standby service for those not yet requiring hands-on care.

Entertainment

Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival returns to Pembrey

Published

19 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH Motorsport & Supercar Festival is set to return to Pembrey Circuit on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with backing from The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers.

The Trade Centre Wales, the country’s largest used car supermarket, operates from sites in Abercynon and Neath, offering thousands of vehicles. Iconic Auctioneers, a globally recognised auction house, specialises in classic and modern supercars, competition vehicles, and automobilia.

Last year’s inaugural event drew 6,000 fans to the ‘Home of Welsh Motorsport,’ granting visitors unprecedented access to paddocks, supercar zones, motorsport displays, pit garages, and live-action demonstrations. The 2025 edition promises an even bigger spectacle, with more historic Formula 1 cars, rare motorsport machinery, and high-profile motorsport personalities. A headline theme will be announced soon.

Fan experience will be a priority, with improvements based on feedback from last year. Additional car parks within Pembrey will ease entry, a new food village will offer a wider selection, and more seating and improved signage will enhance the visitor experience.

Mark Bailey, founder of The Trade Centre Wales, said: “As a company founded in Wales, we are immensely proud to support the Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival at Pembrey Circuit. This event allows us to give back to the local community and connect with passionate motorsport fans.”

Iconic Auctioneers classic car specialist Arwel Richards added: “Last year’s festival was a phenomenal success, proving that motorsport and supercar enthusiasts exist in their thousands beyond the M4. We’re excited to be involved.”

Pembrey Circuit Manager Phil Davies said: “Having The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers as partners strengthens the event, and they will be showcasing some never-before-seen cars. We aim to build on last year’s success to make this year’s festival even bigger and better.”

Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival
Pembrey Circuit, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Tickets: £22 in advance / Children 15 and under FREE
More information: pembreycircuit.co.uk/event/welsh-motorsport-supercar-festival
BARC (Pembrey) Ltd., Pembrey Circuit, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0HZ