Crime
Hakin woman sentenced for throwing water at police officer
A HAKIN woman has been brought before magistrates after throwing a cupful of water over an on-duty police officer.
Veronica Jones, 36, had been placed inside the cage of a police van as she waited to be interviewed by officers in relation to an unrelated matter. But after being refused pain relief medication by one of the officers, Jones saw red.
“A number of prisoners were waiting to be booked in on February 2, and Veronica Jones was told that there would be some delay,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
“She told the officers that she was feeling claustrophobic in the rear cage, so the officer opened the door to allow some fresh air in.”
At this point, Jones, of Haven Drive, Hakin, became verbally abusive.
“She stated she was having a panic attack, although she seemed to be fine,” continued Nia James. “She asked for some water, and the officer locked the rear cage, got a paper cup, and filled it to about 1 cm from the top.”
When the officer returned to the police van, Jones began demanding her medication. However, Nia James reminded magistrates that police officers are not authorised to grant any medication to prisoners unless they have been seen by a nurse.
“This was when the defendant became irate,” said Nia James. “She told the officers, ‘I’m in f****** pain and all I want is my f****** meds.’”
At this point, Jones threw the water at the officer, shouting, “F****** have that, you ugly b****.”
“Police officers are people who are simply doing their jobs to help other people,” concluded Nia James.
Jones pleaded guilty to assaulting the emergency worker by beating. She was legally represented in court by solicitor Michael Kelleher.
“Being in the back of a van can be very uncomfortable,” he said. “The defendant had a torn ligament in her ankle and asked for her Co-codamol, which is just a painkiller. She’d brought it with her in readiness for a delay, but the officers had to follow the correct procedure.
“Foolishly, in her annoyance, she threw the water at the police officer. She lost her temper, but no injury has been caused.”
Jones was sentenced to an 18-month conditional discharge. She must pay £85 court costs and a £26 victim surcharge.
A MAN from Carmarthen has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a child following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.
Stephen Boswell, aged 32, of Brynhaul Street, had been accused of assaulting a girl by penetration during an alleged incident said to have taken place in St Clears between 2010 and 2013.
Boswell denied the allegation and maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
During the trial, the prosecution alleged that Boswell had warned the girl the act “was going to hurt but she would get used to it” before the alleged assault took place. When asked in court whether he had sexually touched the child, Boswell responded: “No, I did not.”
Defence barrister Dyfed Thomas said Boswell had given “a clear and consistent denial” from the outset. He also highlighted inconsistencies in the complainant’s account and differences in the evidence presented by witnesses.
The court was told Boswell had no previous convictions and had fully cooperated with police during their investigation, answering all questions in interview.
After deliberating for approximately 50 minutes, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty.
Judge Paul Thomas KC thanked the jury for their careful consideration of the case. Boswell was discharged from the dock.
DYFED-POWYS Police is investigating a domestic burglary which occurred at an address in Precelly Place, Milford Haven, on Wednesday (Apr 23).
Officers hand-delivered letters to residents in the area on Thursday (Apr 24), appealing for information that may assist with the investigation.
No arrests have been made at this stage and enquiries are ongoing.
A MAN from St Davids is facing serious allegations of domestic abuse, including physical assault and coercive control, spanning more than two years.
Ryan Bowen, aged 44, of Nun Street, appeared in court accused of controlling and abusive behaviour towards his partner between August 2019 and January 2022.
Bowen is alleged to have physically assaulted the woman by slamming a car door on her leg, punching her in the ribs, and pushing her. The court also heard he verbally abused her, belittled her as a mother, and threatened to kill her.
It is further alleged he controlled her finances, dictated what she wore, where she could sleep, and where she was allowed to work.
Prosecutors also claimed he threatened to take her children away and told her he would kill himself if she ever left him.
Bowen has denied the charges.
Judge Paul Thomas KC asked defence barrister Dyfed Thomas whether his client would consider pleading guilty to any lesser charges. Mr Thomas responded that Bowen was “adamant” the allegations were untrue and would not be changing his plea.
A trial has been listed for December 9. Bowen was granted bail until that date.
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