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Milford Haven: Resident disarmed knife-wielding neighbour

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swansea crown courtA BRAVE Milford Haven man who disarmed a knife wielding neighbour was praised by a judge on Tuesday (Dec 23).
 
Shaun Lee Roberts, aged 37, had attacked his girlfriend and was threatening to slit her throat when neighbour Mark Harris went to her aid.
 
He grabbed Roberts’ arm, rolled his body into him and elbowed him in the face until he dropped the large kitchen knife.
 
Mr Harris, and fellow neighbour Rachel Crane who also went to help after hearing screams, were praised for their bravery by Judge Paul Thomas at Swansea crown court, when Roberts was sentenced.
 
Roberts, of Telegraph Cottage, Gorsewood Drive, admitted assaulting Katy Walker, threatening to kill her and wounding Mr Harris, who suffered a cut to his hand while disarming him. He was jailed for two years.
 
Dean Pulling, prosecuting, said Roberts had been in a four year relationship with Miss Walker and they had a daughter together. But he was possessive and jealous and she had to regularly send him text messages whenever she was out of the house.
 
On August 22 this year they went to a pub in Milford Haven and Miss Walker spoke to a man. Roberts discovered she had also talked to him at a gym and his mood changed.
 
On the way home he walked in the road, pushed her and called her names.
 
At home he became more aggressive and repeatedly threatened to kill her. At one stage Miss Walker picked up a kitchen knife to protect herself, but put it down when he appeared to become calmer.
 
But Roberts threw her to the floor and, while wearing boots, kicked her in the face several times.
 
He then picked up the knife, put the blade to her face and said he was about to slit her throat.
 
The attack was interrupted by loud bangs on the front door as Mr Harris and Miss Crane arrived.
 
After his arrest, Roberts told police he had little recollection of what had happened. During an interview he accepted he could be jealous and insecure about his relationship with Miss Walker, which was now “completely at an end.”
 
David Williams, Roberts’ barrister, told the court that Roberts himself had received facial injuries during the prolonged incident.
 
Judge Thomas said that was hardly surprising as Miss Walker had tried to defend herself and Mr Harris had struggled to get the knife from him.
 
Mr Williams said Roberts was “haunted” by what he had done.
 
Judge Thomas said Roberts, a pipefitter, had carried out a “particularly bad episode of domestic violence” during which he had held a knife to Miss Walker’s throat to add to the terror.
 
Mark Harris and Rachel Crane had acted bravely, he added.
 
Roberts was also made the subject of a restraining order and banned from contacting Miss Walker, unless through his parents and only in relation to their daughter, and from entering a named street in Hakin.

 

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Crime

Haverfordwest retailer accused of Bounce Back Loan fraud

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A HAVERFORDWEST businessman has been accused of committing fraud by making false representations to multiple banks in applications for Government-backed Bounce Back Loans.

Zahid Afzal, 36, of Albert Street, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Feb 6), where he pleaded not guilty to three charges of fraud by false representation.

The court heard that Afzal, listed on Companies House as a director of Phone Bits Ltd and Phones Onn Ltd, allegedly made false statements to secure loans intended to support businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Phone Bits phone accessory and repair shop in Haverfordwest

Prosecutors claim that on May 12, 2020, he falsely stated to Barclays Bank that the application for a Bounce Back Loan was Phone Bits Ltd’s only application. It is further alleged that he made similar false claims to Starling Bank on July 23, 2020, and to Metro Bank on November 22, 2020, in relation to Phones Onn Ltd.

The alleged misrepresentations included inflating the company’s turnover to £200,000 and falsely claiming the loans would be used solely for business purposes.

Afzal’s case has been sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial, with a hearing scheduled for March 10. He was granted unconditional bail.

An interpreter will be required for the proceedings, as Afzal requires assistance in Urdu.

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Charity

Young fundraiser’s incredible efforts for RNLI

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THE CREW of Tenby RNLI have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to 5-year-old Archie Garland for his outstanding fundraising efforts in support of the station.

Archie took part in the Advent Challenge with the Tenby Aces over Christmas, running a minimum of one mile every day throughout Advent. His dedication saw him cover an impressive 47.3 miles, raising a remarkable £552.25 thanks to generous donations from the local community.

Archie is pictured with (L-R): Deputy Coxswain Gary Waring, his dad and Deputy Coxswain Rob Garland, Deputy Coxswain Dan Young, station full-time mechanic Will Horton, and his mum, Tenby Aces member Claire Thomas.

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Crime

Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn launches ambitious four-year policing plan

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Public trust at the heart of new strategy

DYFED-POWYS Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has unveiled his four-year Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029, outlining his vision to strengthen public trust and confidence in policing.

Plan to strengthen public’s trust in local police service: Dafydd Llywelyn

The plan, shaped by extensive public consultation, sets out priorities for policing, crime prevention, and the criminal justice system across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Powys. It follows feedback from surveys and focus groups, where residents highlighted their key concerns.

The three core priorities of the plan are:

  • Supporting victims and preventing victimisation
  • Preventing harm to ensure safer communities
  • Enhancing the effectiveness of the justice system

Llywelyn formally launched the plan on Tuesday (Feb 13) at an event attended by key partners and commissioned services. The event focused on collaboration, with discussions on how joint efforts can strengthen crime prevention, victim support, and justice delivery.

Victims at the centre

Commissioner Llywelyn emphasised the importance of ensuring victims receive the right support.

“This plan is built on the views of our communities, focusing on what truly matters to the people of Mid and West Wales,” he said. “Victims must be at the heart of our policing and justice system. It is essential that those affected by crime have access to timely, effective support to help them recover and seek justice. Strengthening services that prevent victimisation is just as important as responding to crime itself.”

Tackling root causes of crime

The plan also prioritises crime prevention by addressing underlying issues.

“By tackling antisocial behaviour and vulnerability, we can reduce harm and build a more resilient society,” Llywelyn said. “A proactive, problem-solving approach will ensure resources are used effectively to protect our communities.”

A joined-up approach to justice

Llywelyn stressed the need for stronger collaboration across the justice system.

“A fair and efficient justice system relies on agencies working together. I will continue to work closely with partners to ensure that policing, the courts, and support services deliver justice fairly and effectively for victims and communities alike.”

The Police and Crime Plan sets out a clear vision for Dyfed-Powys policing over the next four years, focusing on improving public safety, supporting victims, and delivering an efficient justice system.

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