Crime

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

Published

1 year 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

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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.