Glass struck victim’s face after drink was thrown during altercation, court hears

A MOTHER-of-two has narrowly avoided an immediate prison sentence after injuring another woman’s face during an altercation at a Tenby pub.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that Courtney Howells, aged 28, was involved in the incident on Friday, September 27, 2024. Throughout her appearance in court this week, she maintained that she never intended to cause injury.

Her solicitor, Michael Kelleher, told District Judge Mark Layton that Howells had thrown a drink during the incident.

“She threw a drink, but unfortunately it caused an injury to the victim,” he said.

However, the Crown told the court that as Howells threw the drink towards the victim, the glass left her hand and struck the woman in the face, causing scarring.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the victim, who was 17 at the time of the offence, said the incident had had a lasting effect on her confidence.

“I’m paranoid whenever I go out with my friends,” she said. “I’m constantly walking on eggshells and haven’t been back to the place where it happened.

“I’ve got scars on my face that are a constant reminder, and I have this insecurity over something that could have been prevented.”

Mr Kelleher submitted a probation report and several character references on behalf of his client, again stressing that the incident was not intentional.

“It was reckless rather than intentional,” he said. “The defendant’s intention was to throw a drink, not the glass, and not to cause any injury.”

Howells, of Caerae, Martletwy, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.

District Judge Layton sentenced her to 42 weeks in custody, suspended for two years.

She was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, undertake 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and wear an alcohol abstinence monitoring tag for 60 days.

Howells was also ordered to pay £1,500 compensation to the victim, a £187 court surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.

A restraining order was imposed preventing her from having any direct or indirect contact with the victim for the next five years.

Man refused breath test three times after being found revving car engine

A PEMBROKE Dock motorist has admitted causing criminal damage after biting a police blanket while in custody following his arrest on suspicion of drink-driving.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard this week that police were alerted after a member of the public reported concerns about a man sitting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle while revving the engine.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan said officers attended and found Sean Cook, aged 58, inside the vehicle.

“The person was concerned about the male who was sitting there with bulging eyes,” she told the court. “He was believed to be on drugs.”

Ms Vaughan said Cook told officers he was listening to the radio while sitting in the vehicle, which was parked in a public driveway.

“It was clear to the officers that he was intoxicated as he was slurring his words,” she said. “He then deliberately refused to supply a breath test on three occasions.”

Cook, of Glenview Avenue, Pembroke Dock, was arrested and taken to Haverfordwest Police Station. While in custody, he began biting a police blanket, causing the stitching to split.

He pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis and to causing criminal damage.

Sentencing was adjourned until Monday (Feb 17) to allow for the preparation of a probation report.

An interim driving disqualification was imposed, and Cook was released on unconditional bail.

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been sentenced for stealing five legs of lamb from an Iceland supermarket.

On October 3, Martin Back entered the Iceland store in Gravesend and stole five legs of lamb valued at £70.

This week he pleaded guilty to the theft offence when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. He was represented by solicitor Fenn Richards.

“He was leading a chaotic lifestyle at that time, being homeless and drinking,” she told District Judge Mark Layton. “But he’s now house-sharing in Milford Haven and works on a farm.”

Back, of Milton Crescent, Milford Haven, was fined £300 and ordered to pay £70 compensation to Iceland. He must also pay a £120 court surcharge and £80 in costs.