Crime

Violent man jailed after ‘Banksy’ claims and campaign of domestic abuse

Published

1 month ago

May 13, 2026

A PEMBROKESHIRE woman told a court she wished her former partner had killed her after enduring a campaign of violence and coercive control by a man who claimed to be Banksy.

Patrick Smyth, 49, of Oaks Avenue, Romford, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday to 22 months in custody after admitting coercive and controlling behaviour and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Smyth met the woman while on holiday in Tunisia in 2024 and later travelled from Essex to visit her in Haverfordwest.

Thomas Scapens KC, prosecuting, said Smyth quickly began mentally and physically abusing her. He checked her phone, isolated her from friends and family, and installed a phone tracking app which he controlled under the username “Powerful 666”.

He also claimed he was Banksy, the world-famous street artist, telling the victim he was powerful, wealthy and well connected.

“He copied Banksy’s signature and presented it to her, and she believed everything he told her,” Mr Scapens said.

The court heard that Smyth’s abuse escalated during a trip to Cardiff in July 2025, when the couple attended a concert. Smyth lost his temper and had to be removed by security.

Later, at the Coal Exchange hotel, he locked the victim in a room and placed a chair under the door handle to stop her leaving.

“He beat her continuously,” said Mr Scapens. “He put his hand around her throat to prevent her breathing.”

Hotel staff heard him calling her a “slag” and later saw reddening to her neck. They moved the woman to another room for her safety, but Smyth repeatedly tried to force his way inside, banging on the door and shouting.

Staff contacted the woman’s son, who worked in Cardiff. When he arrived, he became emotional after seeing her condition.

In September 2025, Smyth threw the woman into a wardrobe, fracturing two of her ribs. The following month, despite being on bail with a condition not to contact her, he turned up at her home.

“He pushed past her, tied her to a chair in the kitchen and turned off the lights,” said Mr Scapens.

The court heard Smyth refused to let her use the toilet and told her men were coming from London to put her in a pre-dug grave.

The final incident happened in October after the couple visited Morrisons in Haverfordwest. Smyth became aggressive in the store and threw shopping items at the victim. Concerned staff asked a security guard to shadow them.

During the taxi journey home, Smyth threatened to break the woman’s legs and punch her. When the taxi driver intervened, Smyth threatened to break his legs too.

Later that evening, a 999 call was made. No one spoke, but officers could hear a woman screaming and a man’s voice in the background.

When police arrived, they found the victim with cuts to her head. She was extremely upset and tried to hide her face in her roll-neck jumper.

When asked what had happened, she said: “I would in a heartbeat, but I can’t.” The court heard this was because Smyth was listening outside.

In a victim impact statement read to Judge Catherine Richards, the woman said her life had been “fundamentally scarred”.

“I hid my injuries away from other family members because I was scared,” she said.

“I’m scared to go out in case Patrick is there. I don’t treat life the same way anymore and I don’t leave the house by myself.

“It got to the point where I wish Patrick had killed me because I’d prefer to be dead. I’ll never be the same again.”

Smyth appeared by video link from prison, where he had been remanded since his arrest.

His barrister said he “wishes no bad will on the victim” and had reflected on his behaviour.

“He wishes to apologise,” she said. “He has no intention of making any further form of contact with her. Custody has acted as a wake-up call.”

Sentencing Smyth to 22 months in custody, Judge Richards said half would be served in prison and the remainder on licence.

Crime

Mid Wales peace activist arrested outside court after Palestine Action ruling

Published

9 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MID WALES peace activist Angie Zelter was arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after holding a placard in support of Palestine Action.

The 75-year-old campaigner, from Knucklas, Powys, was detained at around 12:20pm on the steps of the court, according to Radnor Palestine Links.

The group said Ms Zelter was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after holding a sign which read: “Saving lives is not terrorism. I support Palestine Action.”

She was taken to Charing Cross Police Station and released around two hours later, the group said.

The arrest came as the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the UK Government over its decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.

The ruling overturned an earlier High Court decision which had found the ban unlawful. The Court of Appeal held that the Government’s decision was lawful and proportionate.

Palestine Action was banned after the Home Secretary moved to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Supporting or inviting support for a proscribed organisation can be a criminal offence.

Radnor Palestine Links said the protest formed part of an ongoing campaign against the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful demonstrators.

Ms Zelter, a long-standing peace and human rights campaigner, has been arrested more than 100 times worldwide during decades of non-violent direct action. She is also known as a founder of Trident Ploughshares.

Speaking after her arrest, Ms Zelter said: “I think it’s a terrible indictment of the criminal justice system that you are charging me with terrorism for holding a peaceful sign.

“We have to uphold the most important international laws. Peaceful, disruptive protest is absolutely essential to protect democracy.”

The Metropolitan Police has been asked to confirm the circumstances of the arrest, whether Ms Zelter was formally charged, and the conditions of her release.

Photo caption: Court protest: Angie Zelter outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London holding a sign in support of Palestine Action (Pic: Radnor Palestine Links).

Crime

Llangadog man fined after breaching restraining order twice

Published

14 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Court hears defendant contacted protected person despite ban

A LLANGADOG man has been fined £1,375 after twice breaching a restraining order by contacting a protected person he had been banned from approaching.

Adam Thomas Davies, 34, of Llangadog, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jun 15) for proceedings linked to an existing community order.

The court heard Davies had breached a restraining order on two separate occasions in June last year by contacting a person he had been prohibited from approaching under an order imposed by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court in November 2019.

Magistrates were told the original community order, imposed in August 2025, had become unworkable due to long-term physical health issues alongside Davies’ employment.

The court revoked the existing order and resentenced him for the original offences.

Davies was made subject to a new community order running until June 14, 2027. He must comply with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and attend appointments or activities as directed by probation services, for up to 15 days.

As a punitive element of the order, magistrates imposed a fine of £1,375.

The court heard the breaches related to unlawful contact made in Carmarthenshire despite the restrictions remaining in force.

Davies was ordered to pay the fine at a rate of £120 per month, starting from July 13.

Crime

Road safety grant fund launched for community projects

Published

14 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

COMMUNITY groups, charities and local organisations across the Dyfed-Powys area are being invited to apply for funding for projects aimed at improving road safety.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has launched a new Road Safety Community Grant Fund to support local initiatives designed to reduce risks on the roads, raise awareness and encourage safer behaviour among drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

The fund will support preventative projects led by communities, including education and awareness programmes, behaviour-change campaigns, road safety events, training and skills development, and evidence-led pilot schemes.

Applications will be assessed on their potential to improve road safety, provide value for money and deliver clear community benefits.

Mr Llywelyn said: “Keeping our communities safe on our roads is a fundamental part of our wider mission to protect the public and reduce harm.

“By investing in community-led initiatives, we are empowering local organisations to deliver practical, innovative solutions that improve road safety, change behaviours, and ultimately save lives.”

The fund forms part of the commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029, which includes commitments to preventing harm, supporting safer communities and working in partnership on issues affecting local people.

Further details, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, are available on the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner’s website.

The fund closes at 10:00pm on Sunday, July 19.