Stalking offence followed trial at Swansea Magistrates’ Court

A MILFORD HAVEN man previously convicted of stalking offences has been made the subject of a hospital order following a trial at Swansea Magistrates’ Court.

Jack Fletcher, aged 34, of Great North Road, Milford Haven, was found guilty after a contested hearing of stalking a woman in Swansea between September 1, 2024 and January 18, 2025.

The court heard that Fletcher denied the offence, which proceeded to a full trial. Following his conviction, magistrates imposed a hospital order, reflecting concerns around his mental health.

Fletcher was also made the subject of a two-year restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting the victim directly or indirectly.

During proceedings, Fletcher was described as behaving disruptively in court, including shouting abuse and repeatedly thumping on the ceiling of his flat, which formed part of the evidence considered by magistrates.

The court concluded that a hospital order was the most appropriate disposal in the circumstances, prioritising treatment while maintaining protection for the victim through the restraining order.

Fletcher has appeared before the courts on previous stalking matters, with earlier cases heard in Pembrokeshire, making this the latest development in a series of prosecutions linked to similar behaviour.

Darren Millar MS pays tribute to community champions and frontline workers while urging compassion for those grieving this festive season

THE LEADER of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar MS, has shared his Christmas message with people across Wales, calling on communities to come together during the festive season.

He said Christmas was a special time of year when families and friends gather to spend time with loved ones, exchange gifts and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

“Our Christian traditions are deeply important to Wales,” he said. “And whether we profess the Christian faith or not, we can all recognise and be grateful for the Christian values that have helped shape the modern Wales we call home.”

Mr Millar paid tribute to community champions across the country, including charitable organisations, faith groups, hospices and community organisations, for their work throughout the year and especially during the festive period.

He also highlighted those for whom Christmas is a busy working period rather than a break.

“For the many who serve in our Armed Forces, our NHS and emergency services, and those working in hospitality, catering and retail, Christmas is often just as busy, if not busier, than any other time of year,” he said. “We think of them and thank them as others are able to take time away from work.”

Mr Millar urged people to remember those who may be struggling over the festive season.

“We must also think of those who are grieving or alone this Christmas. A first Christmas without a loved one can be incredibly painful,” he said. “It is incumbent on us all to reach out to friends, neighbours and anyone who may be feeling lonely.”

He added: “I want to wish you and your loved ones a very joyful Christmas. May the Prince of Peace, Jesus, be with you all – Nadolig llawen a blwyddyn newydd dda.”

A 48-YEAR-OLD man has pleaded guilty of burglary after thousands of pounds worth of tools were stolen from an electrical shop in Aberystwyth. 

Dyfed-Powys Police received a call reporting that a burglary had taken place at CEF Electrical sometime between 3pm on Sunday 29 September and 7.15am on Monday 30 September, 2024. 

The shop owner explained that when he arrived to open the shop on the Monday morning, he noticed that the front door was smashed, and the wires linked to the alarm system had been cut.  

Inside the building, he noticed that several items – mainly high-power electrical tools – had been taken. The shop keeper calculated the total value of the stolen items was around £30,000.  

Officers were dispatched to the location and began securing forensic evidence from the scene and conducting CCTV and house-to-house enquiries.  

CCTV cameras captured a vehicle attending the business at around 11.30pm the night before and returning to the business at around 1am.  

Checks confirmed that vehicle belonged to a 48-year-old Christopher Cole from Hackney, London.  

DNA swabs taken from the inside of a broken windowpane also pointed to Christopher Cole being present at the crime scene. 

Cole was named as a wanted suspect, and extensive search enquiries led to his arrest in Rugby, England, by Hampshire Police on Wednesday 19 November 2025. 

He was brought into Aberystwyth police station for questioning. 

Cole was subsequently charged with burglary and released on conditional bail. On Monday, the 48-year-old admitted to the offence and will be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on 30 January, 2026 

PC Joe Roberts, the officer in this case, said: “This was a serious offence committed by a man who thought he could travel into our force area and target a local business for his own gain. 

“This crime has understandably had a significant impact on the business and its employees, and I hope this outcome will reassure them that Dyfed-Powys Police will not tolerate travelling criminals in our area. We eagerly await his sentencing.”