Crime

Pensioner feared for life after brutal attack in his home

Published

1 year ago

March 18, 2025

A COURT has heard how a vulnerable 73-year-old cancer victim was left fearing for his life after being assaulted by a 32-year-old in his own home.

“No matter what sentence will be given, the damage it’s caused me, both physical and mental, will never heal,” said the victim in an impact statement read out to Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

The pensioner was assaulted on December 23, 2023, when an argument broke out between him and 32-year-old James Britton at a property in Winch Crescent, Haverfordwest.

“What began as a verbal row turned physical,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.

“The pensioner sustained lacerations to his head as well as bruising to his arms. Thiis assault was on a 73-year-old man who was vulnerable and unable to fight back.”

Ms Vaughan’s comments were further endorsed by the pensioner in his victim impact statement.

“Before the assault, I was a happy, outgoing person who wasn’t afraid to go out by myself,” he said.

“But since then, I’m scared to leave the house. I’m terrified about bumping into James Britton, and I’m terrified that he’ll carry out his threat to kill me. Before this, I’d never been physically assaulted.

“He knew I’d been diagnosed with cancer and he knew I was recovering. Now I’m just existing … I just want to stay at home.”

Britton, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to assaulting the pensioner causing actual bodily harm and of causing criminal damage to the victim’s mobile phone, glasses and dentures, to the value of £915.98

He was legally represented in court by solicitor Tom Lloyd.

“The defendant regrets what took place and wants to put this behind him and start a new life outside of this area,” he said. “Living in Haverfordwest might not be the most productive place for him.”

Mr Lloyd went on to say that Britton has ‘a checkered past’.

“He only came out of prison a few weeks ago after being remanded in custody for an offence that he denied from the outset,” he said.

“And after four months, the Crown Prosecution decided to discontinue the case. During those four months my client suffered tremendously and found prison very difficult.”

After considering a detailed probation report, magistrates sentenced Britton to 52 weeks in custody. He was ordered to pay £1,000 compensation to the victim and £915.98 for the criminal damage caused to the victim’s property. He must also pay a £154 surcharge and £85 costs.

Magistrates imposed a five year restraining order, preventing Britton from having any contact with the victim.

“We’re not satisfied that there are reasons to suspend, given the injuries and the emotional distress that has been caused to a vulnerable person,” commented the presiding magistrate when imposing sentence.

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.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

23 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.