Crime
Homeless man jailed after threatening M&S staff with stick

STAFF at a local branch of Marks and Spencer have spoken of their fear at being confronted by a customer who was shouting at them while brandishing a three-foot stick.
“I’ve worked in the store for the last ten years, but I’ve never experienced a male being that aggressive,” said Aly Barnes in a victim impact statement read out to Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
“This was the first time I’ve ever been in genuine fear of a customer.”
The incident took place in the Carmarthen branch of Marks and Spencer on January 24 when Martin Sands, 45, was seen entering the food hall and placing some steaks inside his rucksack.
Store worker Aly Barnes gestured towards him to put the steaks back, to which Sands replied, “It was worth a try.”
“Aly Barnes asked him to leave, but the defendant became aggressive,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
“He told her he was homeless and lived outside, across the street.”
Sands continued to approach Ms Barnes, forcing her to raise her arm to cover her head.
“She believed this was necessary to protect herself from anything he would do to her,” said Nia James.
“She could feel him spitting saliva in her face while he was shouting at her.”
Hearing the commotion, Ms Barnes’ colleague, Katarzyna Evans, approached Sands and attempted to de-escalate the situation. Sands responded, shouting, “You devil worshipper.”
Hearing the aggressive shouting, a store manager entered the food hall where he saw Sands moving closer to Ms Barnes.
“He put himself between them, because he felt that Martin Sands was far too close to the pair, and believed he was going to punch one of them because he was so aggressive.”
The court was told that earlier that afternoon, Sands had been seen entering the Ladybug store in Carmarthen by an on-duty security guard. He was heard saying to a female member of staff, “I’m going to hit this stick over his head.”
“The security guard knew the threat was directed at him, and the female member of staff was shocked,” said Nia James.
After repeating the threat, Sands was told to leave the store and was seen walking down Lammas Street, waving the stick and shouting.
Following his arrest in Marks and Spencer, Sands was taken to Carmarthen police custody suite, where he became increasingly agitated, throwing food and a cup of coffee over the wall. This had to be removed by a contracted cleaner at a cost to Dyfed-Powys Police of £188.
Appearing before magistrates via a video link from Swansea Prison, Sands pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive, or insulting words and behaviour likely to cause harassment; common assault of Aly Barnes; common assault of Katarzyna Evans; and causing criminal damage to a police cell.
Sands was represented in court by solicitor Michael Kelleher.
“He was living rough in Carmarthen and he overreacted to the staff in Marks and Spencer, who believed he was going to steal the steaks,” he said.
“This wasn’t his intention as he had the money to pay. He’s very frustrated at his behaviour, but he realises now that at the time he was too proud to ask for help for his homelessness.”
Sands was sentenced to ten weeks in custody. He was ordered to pay £50 compensation to Aly Barnes and Katarzyna Evans, a £154 court surcharge, and £85 costs.
Crime
Goodwick man jailed for stealing prescription tablets from partner

A 47-year-old man from Goodwick has been sentenced to jail after admitting to stealing his partner’s prescription medication.
Andrew Gibbs, of Allt Y Carne, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where he admitted taking four Pregabalin tablets from his long-term girlfriend on February 14.
Prosecuting, Alycia Carpanini told the court that Gibbs had taken the tablets while drinking in the living room earlier that day. He was arrested later that evening on unrelated matters, and officers found the medication in his possession.
During his arrest, Gibbs admitted aloud to police that he had stolen the tablets. He later confirmed the theft in a prepared statement during interview.
The court heard that Gibbs has a lengthy criminal history, with 35 previous convictions covering 68 offences. He had previously faced a series of serious allegations, including actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation against his partner, as well as two further assaults. However, those charges were dropped after the complainants chose not to support the prosecution.
In mitigation, defence barrister Dan Griffiths said his client had been cooperative with police from the outset and had already spent time in custody since his arrest.
Judge Paul Thomas KC imposed a 14-day custodial sentence for the theft, acknowledging the time Gibbs had already spent on remand. He will be released shortly under supervision.
Crime
CCTV shows diners allegedly stealing from Narberth pub

THIS story follows a post shared on The Pembrokeshire Herald Facebook page on Sunday (Mar 23), where locals reacted with shock and anger after CCTV footage was released by The Angel in Narberth.
The pub’s owner, Louise Morgan, says she was left “annoyed and frustrated” after four diners allegedly helped themselves to salt and pepper mills from their table before walking out of the pub without paying for them.
The incident happened on Saturday (Mar 22) during lunchtime service. Louise, who has run the popular town centre pub for years, reviewed her CCTV after noticing the tableware had gone missing—and said she was stunned by what she saw.
Speaking to The Herald, she said: “They stole these salt and pepper mills which were there for less than a week. It’s like they had done it before. One of the guys blocked the camera, then the lady grabbed her coat, which allowed them to steal the mills.”
Louise added: “I am shocked. This has not happened for a while. People used to steal soap dispensers from the ladies’ toilets, but it’s been a few years since that happened. Still, I’ve replaced the dispensers with these large amber bottles.
“A person once said to me ‘If it’s not bolted down, people will take it.’ But overall, we don’t have that kind of clientele. I’m just annoyed. It’s hard enough running your own business for people to come in and steal your stuff. I like to think that most of my customers are not like that.”
The footage shows the group of four seated in the dining area, with what appears to be a deliberate attempt to block the camera while the items are taken. The Angel took to Facebook the following day, posting a still from the CCTV and a message asking for the items to be returned.
“If anyone knows Mr Kitchen Crew and his gang, please ask them to return the stolen goods & no questions will be asked,” the post said.
Hundreds of people reacted to the post, slamming the culprits and offering support to the pub.
Sue James-Davies wrote: “That is disgusting and pathetic. They should be shamed and banned from all Narberth establishments.”
Michelle Bellamy added: “That’s disgusting. Times are tough for everyone but if these people can afford to eat out surely, they can afford their own tableware at home without stealing. I hope they’re ashamed of themselves.”
James Iwan Day commented: “If they liked the tableware so much why didn’t they just ask where you got it from? Absolutely mind-blowing behaviour.”
And Graham Coslett said: “If they can afford to pay for the meal, they can afford to buy what they have stolen. I rest my case your honour.”
Police have not yet been involved, and Louise is hoping the items will be quietly returned.
Crime
Milford Haven man assaulted three police officers and carried knife

A MILFORD HAVEN man has admitted assaulting three police officers and being in possession of a knife in public.
Adam Williams, aged 37, of Richard John Road, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court last week where he pleaded guilty to five charges.
The court heard that on March 16 Williams was found using a Volkswagen Golf without insurance in Milford Haven. On the same date, he was in possession of a craft knife without lawful authority or reasonable excuse on Richard John Road.
Williams also admitted three counts of common assault of an emergency worker, relating to three police officers.
Magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. Williams was remanded into custody and is due to be sentenced on March 31.
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