News

Brutal and callous murderer jailed for 22 years

Published

12 years ago

February 20, 2014

STEVEN WILLIAMS, the man who murdered Joanna Hall, has been sentenced to 22 years in jail.

The jury reached a majority verdict of 10-2 on Thursday after deliberating for nearly nine hours. On hearing the verdict there was no reaction from 31-year-old Williams.

The Tenby man was found guilty last week of stabbing Joanna 40 times and it was also revealed that he waited five hours before calling the police. He attacked her in her flat but claimed that a knifeman had broken in and stabbed her while he had gone out to buy alcohol. Joanna died just three weeks after the brutal attack but did name Steven as her attacker whilst lying in hospital.

Sentencing, Mrs Justice Nicola Davies said Williams’ actions were: “brutal, callous and reprehensible, but does not warrant the description sadistic”.

She added: “This was a sustained and brutal assault using a knife or knives upon a defenceless victim.

“You stabbed Joanna over 20 times, on occasions penetrating organs within her body.

“Joanna lost 30 to 40% of the circulating blood in her body. You refused her the medical treatment she needed, and for which she asked.

“You sat with her and watched her bleed.”

Williams claimed that a knifeman had broken in and attacked Joanna, but jurors were told that neighbours had heard an argument in Ms Hall’s flat in the early hours of the morning.

After sentencing, Det Insp Carl Roach said: “This crime has repulsed Joanna’s family, the community of Tenby and the investigation team.

“Today’s sentence is welcomed, as without doubt the public are safer with Steven Williams being firmly behind bars.

“Joanna’s family have showed the utmost dignity and patience during this difficult time – it is to them and the investigation teams in Dyfed-Powys that I pay tribute.”

Charity

Donation gives Stackpole Quay book trailer fresh new look

Published

7 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A COMMUNITY donation will help spruce up a popular summer book trailer at Stackpole Quay after members of the Pembrokeshire National Trust Association handed over more than one thousand pounds to support the project.

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association presented a cheque for £1,095 to the National Trust at Stackpole Quay this weekend.

The cheque was formally given to Rhian Sula, General Manager for the charity’s Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Bay portfolio, by association chairman Jane Mason during a National Trust information coffee morning at the Stackpole Centre.

The money will be used to refurbish the well-known second-hand book trailer which operates at the quay during the summer months. The trailer allows visitors to pick up a holiday read while making a donation, with proceeds supporting local conservation and access projects.

Last year alone, the trailer raised more than £1,500.

Jane Mason said the association had originally funded the purchase of the trailer several years ago and wanted to build on its success.

“Our new donation from members’ support will improve the trailer with updated imagery and design,” she said. “This will help the National Trust present a more professional, welcoming and brand-aligned offer, and potentially grow donation income.”

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association runs a programme of talks, visits and guided walks in support of local Trust properties. Membership of the National Trust is not required to join the association. Annual membership costs £5 for individuals and £8 for couples.

At its AGM in November, the group announced £3,000 in additional donations for local projects, including replacement willow hurdles at Tudor Merchants House, footpath improvements at Little Milford, and a new bench, tree planting and path works at Southwood.

With the latest contribution towards the book trailer, the association’s donations for the current financial year now exceed £4,000.

Photo caption:

Jane Mason presents a cheque for £1,095 to Rhian Sula at Stackpole Centre (Pic: supplied).

Crime

OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters

Published

8 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.

Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.

The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.

His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.

Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.

Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.

Crime

Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls

Published

8 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.

Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.

The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.

She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.

As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.

Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.

She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.