A PEMBROKESHIRE man accused of exploiting a vulnerable woman for sex, accommodation, finances, and alcohol has been made the subject of an interim Stalking Protection Order.

Mark Ion, 53, is set to be released from custody next Thursday, December 19.

This week, Dyfed-Powys Police solicitor Simon Schwarz urged Haverfordwest magistrates to impose the order to protect the victim, whom he described as “vulnerable, with drug and alcohol addiction issues.”

“She has been preyed upon by the defendant since September 2023,” Mr Schwarz told the court on Tuesday (Dec 10). “He has demonstrated parasitic behaviour towards her, using her for accommodation, finances, drink, and sex.

As soon as he’s released, he’ll be back, exhibiting coercive and controlling behaviour. His criminal record shows extreme violence towards women.”

Ion is accused of a prolonged period of control and abuse over the victim, with incidents dating back to October 2023.

Mr Schwarz presented harrowing evidence of Ion’s behaviour, including instances of violence and coercion.

• October 6, 2023: A member of the public reported seeing Ion with the victim on a bench in Haverfordwest. The victim appeared intoxicated and barely conscious, slumped against Ion, who was seen with his hands inside her trousers. The victim was taken to the hospital but had no memory of the incident.
• October 30, 2023: A 999 call led officers to an address in Slade Park, Haverfordwest, where the victim was found with a swollen eye. She alleged that Ion had hit her. At the time, Ion was subject to a restraining order prohibiting contact with another woman living on the same street as the victim.
• October 24, 2023: Ion and the victim were seen arguing on a bus from Haverfordwest to Pembroke Dock. Ion, drinking whisky, threatened to hit the victim with the bottle and struck another woman who intervened. This assault led to a custodial sentence.
• November 21, 2023: A neighbour called 999 after hearing someone kicking the victim’s door. Ion was heard shouting, “Open the door, you f****** bitch,” while the victim was described as cowering like “a timid animal.”

Further incidents occurred, including a violent attack on June 8, 2024, when Ion punched the victim after she refused to have sex with him.

According to Mr Schwarz, Ion continued to harass the victim while in custody, sending letters that terrified her, including claims they would marry and have children.

Ion, currently serving a custodial sentence for an unrelated matter, appeared via video link from HM Parc Prison in Bridgend. He became aggressive during the hearing, leading prison staff to mute his comments.

After reviewing the evidence, magistrates imposed an interim Stalking Protection Order, effective from Ion’s release until a full hearing at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on December 31. The order aims to safeguard the victim and prevent further contact.

“This is a woman who needs protection. It’s now clear her life is at risk,” Mr Schwarz concluded.

THE FESTIVE FRIENDS of Milford Haven School are back, bringing their Christmas magic to the community for a second year running.

Following the success of last year’s initiative, the Festive Friends project has returned to combat loneliness and spread holiday cheer. This heartwarming effort is made possible through support from the Ascona Community Foundation, whose funding has helped the students kick off another season of joy.

The pupils marked the start of Advent by visiting Hubberston and Hakin Community Centre, where they hosted a festive afternoon for the Stroke Survivors Group. Attendees were treated to Christmas bingo, seasonal quizzes, and delicious treats, creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere.

One Milford Haven student reflected on the experience, saying: “It was an honour to be part of this project and socialise with the older members of our community. Their stories are so interesting, and they’re so funny.” Another student added: “I’m so happy our school lets us work with the community. It’s inspired me to give back in the future.”

The project’s impact was felt deeply by attendees, with one guest commenting: “This was such a lovely way to start the countdown to Christmas. I don’t get out much, so it was wonderful to be among friends and chat with young people from our community.” Another remarked: “The students were so polite and kind. The school should be incredibly proud of them.”

With its second year proving just as successful as the first, the Festive Friends project has once again highlighted the power of community, kindness, and Christmas spirit.

A MAN has been sentenced after four dogs were discovered living in squalid conditions in a Pembroke Dock property, which was littered with rubbish and contaminated with faeces and urine.

The animals—a male chow, two bulldog-type dogs (one male and one female), and a male lurcher—were found in January 2024 in a state of neglect. Two of the dogs were confined to cages, with one described as being in an appalling condition.

The male chow, found with a matted coat contaminated with faeces, was in such poor health that he appeared unresponsive. The female bulldog-type dog, also in a cage, had no bedding or water, although dry dog food was present. The environment was described as filthy and unsuitable for any animals.

Court proceedings

Kane Robert Jake Watson (24), of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to three offences under the Animal Welfare Act. He appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Nov 27), where he was handed a 32-week prison sentence, suspended for two years. Watson was also ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work, pay £750 in costs, and was disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years.

Failure to care for animals

Watson admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the male chow and the female bulldog by failing to investigate and address their poor condition and weight loss. He also failed to provide necessary veterinary care for the bulldog’s skin condition. Additionally, he was found guilty of failing to meet the basic needs of all four dogs, including providing a suitable environment, fresh drinking water, and adequate care and supervision.

Inspector’s statement

RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben attended the property on January 24, 2024, following a request from the local dog warden to conduct a welfare check.

“I entered the property, and the smell of dog faeces and urine made me cough,” said Inspector Hogben. “The environment was filthy, wet, and strewn with household rubbish. Dog faeces and urine were on the floor.”

He described finding the male chow in a cage without water and with a heavily matted coat. “The chow was in poor condition and smelled disgusting. The female bulldog in the adjacent cage was lean and had no water or bedding, although dry food was present.”

Two other dogs, a bulldog with a cherry eye and a lurcher, were found elsewhere in the property. While they appeared in better health, the environment was deemed unsuitable for them.

Outcome for the dogs

Following a veterinary assessment, the male chow and female bulldog were determined to be in a state of suffering. The chow’s health deteriorated further despite treatment, and he was humanely euthanized. The remaining dogs were taken into police care and rehomed.

This case highlights the serious consequences of neglecting animals and the importance of maintaining proper living conditions to meet their welfare needs.