Crime

Pembroke woman spat at police while in ‘zombie-like’ drug state, court hears

Published

6 months ago

June 14, 2025

A PEMBROKE woman who spat at two police officers while under the influence of drugs has been given a suspended prison sentence and a curfew.

Lisa Sture, aged 34, of Main Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court this week, where she admitted two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

The court heard that officers were called to an incident in Pembroke on February 22, where Sture was allegedly involved in an assault. That matter was not pursued, but during her arrest, she spat at a police constable, hitting his trousers.

Later, in custody, she spat again—this time at a custody sergeant who had gone to check on her welfare after she threatened to harm herself. The second spitting incident resulted in saliva landing on the officer’s chest.

Prosecutor Sian Cutter said Sture has a long history of offending, with 47 previous convictions for 96 offences.

Defending, Dan Griffiths said Sture’s life had been severely affected by addiction to class A drugs since her teenage years, particularly heroin. He acknowledged that her behaviour towards police had become a repeated issue. “Spitting at anyone is a disgusting thing to do,” he said.

Judge Geraint Walters strongly criticised her conduct, telling her: “You are not an animal. You are a human being who doesn’t know how to look after yourself. Police officers shouldn’t have to deal with this kind of behaviour – they are there to protect us. Spitting is a filthy act.”

He described her as frequently appearing in a “zombie-like state” due to drug use, prompting Sture to object from the dock, saying: “I’ve changed. I’m not an animal.”

The judge did not hold back: “I have to speak as I find – you are a thorough nuisance. The state has tried again and again to help you. What have you achieved? Witness intimidation, violence, carrying knives, breaching court orders, shoplifting – and now your favourite offence appears to be assaulting police officers.”

When she attempted to interrupt, the judge told her: “Keep your mouth shut! You have no respect for anything at all.”

Sture was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years. She must complete a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and will be under a three-month curfew from 7:00pm to 7:00am.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.