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

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

3 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

3 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.