Crime

Painter accused of knocking partner unconscious after ‘years of abuse’

Published

3 months ago

December 24, 2025

Man charged with assault, threats to kill and knife possession will face trial at Crown Court

A PEMBROKESHIRE painter and decorator has appeared before magistrates accused of knocking his partner unconscious following what the Crown alleges were years of domestic abuse.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard this week that the complainant claims she was forced to flee her home barefoot with her young child after allegedly being assaulted by Jamie Clews, 38.

The court was told that the incident is said to have occurred at the couple’s address in Hubberston while the woman was running a bath.

“By the time she regained consciousness, the bath was overflowing and water had begun pouring through the downstairs ceiling,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court.

“She left the property barefoot, accompanied by her young child, and later collapsed in a local pub.”

Ms Vaughan said the complainant alleges she had been subjected to domestic violence by Clews over a considerable period of time.

“Her arm has been fractured, she has had a knife held to her throat while being told she was going to be killed, and she has been beaten unconscious,” she said.

A victim impact statement was read to the court in which the complainant claimed she had endured several years of abuse.

“There have been times when I’ve been afraid for my life,” she said.

“No-one should have to live with domestic violence, but I’m petrified of him. I don’t want my children to grow up seeing their mother subjected to violent atrocities from Jamie, or from anyone else.”

Clews is charged with assaulting the complainant on two separate occasions, possessing a knife in a private place, making threats to kill, and causing criminal damage to her iPhone.

After considering the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and committed the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Clews is due to appear on January 23.

The Crown applied for Clews to be remanded in custody, a request opposed by defence solicitor Tom Lloyd. No pleas were entered at this stage, though the defence indicated the allegations would be denied.

“This is a bare-bones file, and on that basis the court is being asked to remand a hard-working painter and decorator in custody,” Mr Lloyd said.

“The defendant has been assaulted in the pub on numerous occasions by the complainant, and there is CCTV footage to support that. No mention of this has been made in court this morning. Jamie Clews was the victim here, not her.”

Following a short adjournment, magistrates agreed to release Clews on conditional bail.

The conditions include that he resides with his father at an address in Narberth, has no direct or indirect contact with the complainant, does not enter Hubberston, and observes a daily curfew between 8:00pm and 6:30am.

Anyone affected by domestic abuse in Wales can contact the Live Fear Free Helpline on 0808 80 10 800, a free, 24-hour confidential service providing help, information and support. The helpline also offers a live chat service via the Welsh Government’s Live Fear Free website.

In an emergency, always call 999.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

10 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Police seize off-road bike after anti-social driving complaints in Hakin

Published

12 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

OFFICERS from Milford Haven and Neyland Police have seized an off-road bike following multiple reports of reckless and anti-social driving in the Hakin area.

Members of the public raised concerns about the manner in which the bike was being ridden, prompting police action. The vehicle was seized yesterday (Tuesday) as part of efforts to address ongoing issues linked to illegal off-road biking.

Police have reminded residents that such bikes are not road legal and must only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

Officers are urging the public to continue reporting incidents and sharing information to help tackle the problem in local communities.

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, via email at [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Milford roofer fined after abusive call to rival firm

Published

14 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

56-year-old admitted making threats and using offensive language in business dispute

A MILFORD HAVEN roofer has been fined after making an abusive and threatening phone call to a rival company.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard that on Sunday (Feb 2), John Fitzgerald, 56, made a single phone call to a competing roofing business.

“During the course of the phone call, threats were made to the other company’s boss,” said Crown Prosecutor Nia James.

“The reason for the threats was that the defendant believes this other company is taking business away from him. The lady who took the call felt alarmed and distressed as he used foul language towards her.”

The court heard the victim contacted police following the incident but chose not to provide a victim impact statement and did not seek a restraining order.

“When he was spoken to by officers he said he’d been a d***,” added Nia James.

“He said he’d had a couple of beers and was getting wound up, as he was fed up with them nicking his work. But it was just one phone call.”

Representing Fitzgerald, Fenn Richards said he accepted his wrongdoing.

“He accepts wrongdoing as he’d had a few too many drinks, he made the phone call, and people were winding him up,” she said.

“The defendant has been in the roofing trade since he was 14, and he believed this person had set up a new business and was taking business away from him. But he didn’t mean any harm by it.”

Fitzgerald, of Elm Lane, Milford Haven, was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £32 surcharge.