Crime

Hakin woman sentenced for throwing water at police officer

Published

10 months ago

February 18, 2025

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.

Crime

Police investigate suspicious disappearance of white-tailed eagle in mid Wales

Published

1 hour ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Appeal launched after satellite tag is found cut from bird and dumped on remote moorland

POLICE and wildlife crime officers are investigating the suspicious disappearance of a satellite-tagged white-tailed eagle in mid Wales after its tracking device was found cut off and deliberately hidden.

Dyfed-Powys Police is working alongside the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) following the disappearance of the juvenile bird in the Newtown area.

Officers say the satellite tag and harness were recovered from remote moorland and show clear signs of having been removed from the bird using a sharp instrument, most likely a knife, before being concealed in an apparent attempt to dispose of the evidence.

Despite searches in the area, the body of the eagle has not yet been located.

Police are now appealing for information from anyone who may have been in the area at the time and witnessed suspicious activity.

Investigators are particularly keen to hear from people who were:

At or around Gwgia Reservoir, Tregynon, between 11:00am and 1:00pm on Saturday (Sept 13)
On access land near Bryn y Fawnog between midday and 3:00pm on the same day

All potential lines of enquiry are being pursued, including detailed forensic examination for DNA and fingerprints.

Police are working closely with the tag owners, the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, and Forestry England to analyse tracking data and support the investigation.

The disappearance is being treated as a serious wildlife crime. The persecution of birds of prey remains a national policing priority, with species such as white-tailed eagles, golden eagles and hen harriers fully protected by law.

Satellite tags are widely used for conservation and research purposes, providing vital information about bird movements and survival. Each tag carries contact details so that any recovered device can be returned directly to researchers.

Members of the public who enjoy the countryside are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving birds of prey or their habitats.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by calling 101 quoting reference 25000766626. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crime

Teenager faces multiple charges after series of alleged incidents

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Youth accused of assaults on police, criminal damage and railway trespass

A TEENAGE boy has appeared before the courts charged with a series of alleged assaults, public order offences and criminal damage incidents said to have taken place in Haverfordwest over several days in December.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to his age, is accused of multiple offences alleged to have occurred between Wednesday (Dec 11) and Monday (Dec 16).

The charges include several counts of assault by beating, obstructing or resisting a police officer, using threatening or abusive behaviour, and criminal damage involving property valued at under £5,000.

It is alleged that a number of the incidents involved police officers acting in the execution of their duty. One charge relates to alleged trespass on or near a railway, while another concerns an arrest for an alleged breach of the peace.

The teenager appeared before the Youth Court, where reporting restrictions were confirmed under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, preventing the publication of any information likely to identify him.

The court made further directions in the case, and the youth was remanded on conditional bail pending future hearings.

The case remains ongoing.

Crime

Haverfordwest man denies historic rape charges involving underage girl

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Trial listed at Cardiff Crown Court for 2027

A HAVERFORDWEST man has denied a series of historic sexual offences against an underage girl and is due to stand trial at Cardiff Crown Court in 2027.

Lee Mahagan, aged 52, of High Street, Haverfordwest, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape and two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child.

The charges relate to allegations involving a girl aged between 13 and 15, which are said to have occurred in Cardiff between 2009 and 2010.

The court was told that the case is expected to take around five days when it goes before a jury. A trial date has been set for January 25, 2027.

Mahagan was granted conditional bail by Judge Hywel James following a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.

The defendant is represented by David Pinnell, while Daniel Jones is appearing for the prosecution.