Long jail term justified for ‘jealous thug’

Published

9 years ago

July 3, 2017

A ‘JEALOUS’ Pembrokeshire thug who beat his victim with a dog lead in a ‘terrible and terrifying’ attack got the punishment he deserved, senior judges have ruled.

‘Controlling’ Kieran Lee Jones, 19, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, was locked up for six years at Swansea Crown Court on December 5 last year.

He admitted aggravated burglary, Sir Alan Wilkie told London’s Appeal Court.

Jones had been in a three-year relationship with Saffron Kopjas and, when it came to an end, she was pregnant with his child.

In October last year, Ms Kopjas and her friend, Joseph Jackson, 20, spent an evening in each other’s company.

Photos were posted on Facebook, which Jones saw.

He sent messages to Mr Jackson threatening to ‘kick his head in’ and beat him with a dog chain.

The victim took the threats seriously, wedging a chair underneath the door handle of his home before going to bed.

But the following morning he woke up to hear the front door being knocked down by Jones.

Jones made good his threat and attacked Mr Jackson with a dog lead, hitting him from all angles, before taking his mobile phone and leaving.

The victim was left with red marks and bruising.

In interview, Jones said he had seen the photos on Facebook and suspected Mr Jackson and his ex-girlfriend may have been in a relationship.

The judge who jailed him said his crime was triggered by his ‘bitterness at the break-up’ of his relationship with Ms Kopjas.

Despite still being a teenager, Jones had amassed a ‘significant number of convictions’, said Sir Alan.

He had 30 convictions for crimes including battery and burglary with intent to cause unlawful damage.

Jones’s previous offending included assaulting Ms Kopjas and slashing and ripping up 50 items of her clothing.

A prison report said he had started his sentence in ‘encouraging fashion’ and appeared ‘well-motivated, polite and respectful’.

James Hartson, for Jones, argued his jail term was far too tough and ought to be cut.

It was ‘wholly disproportionate’ to the seriousness of the crime, claimed the barrister.

He said it was ‘not a traditional offence of its type’ and had been ‘motivated by jealousy’.

Mr Hartson pointed to Jones’s youth and immaturity and said that that the crime was ‘short-lived’ and involved ‘minor injury’ and ‘minor theft’.

But Sir Alan said it was a ‘terrible and terrifying’ crime and that he had a ‘chilling feeling about this particular offending’.

It had been motivated by his ‘burning anger’ which had arisen out of a ‘sense of entitlement and feeling entitled to control and possess other people’.

“The sentence, severe as it is, cannot in the circumstances of this case be seen as other than appropriate and not manifestly excessive,” said the appeal judge.

He hoped Jones would use his time behind bars to ‘mature and allow his anger to cool so this destructive cycle of behaviour which has brought him to this point will be brought to an end’.

The judge, sitting with Lord Justice Irwin and Judge Gregory Dickinson QC, dismissed the appeal.

New foal born at Dyfed Shire Farm as rare breed season begins

Published

11 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suffolk Punch mare gives birth to strong colt foal ahead of May bank holiday farm opening

DYFED SHIRE FARM has welcomed its first foal of 2026, with a Suffolk Punch mare giving birth to a strong colt.

The new arrival was announced on Saturday by the Pembrokeshire farm, which said the foal is from mare Dixie and is doing well.

In a social media post, the farm said: “Mother nature working 100% as we would want.”

The birth will be seen as a boost for the farm and for supporters of traditional horse breeds, with the Suffolk Punch regarded as one of Britain’s rarest native working horse breeds.

Dyfed Shire Farm has not yet chosen a name for the colt and has invited the public to send in suggestions.

The farm is preparing to open to visitors over the early May bank holiday weekend, with opening times announced for Friday, May 1 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, and again on Sunday, May 3 and Monday, May 4. Visitors are expected to be able to see Dixie and her foal during the open days.

The Pembrokeshire attraction also used the announcement to promote stays at its campsite as interest grows around the latest addition.

Images shared online show the foal standing close to its mother in a field, as well as resting in the spring sunshine.

Photo caption: New arrival: Dyfed Shire Farm has announced the birth of its first foal of 2026, a Suffolk Punch colt born to mare Dixie (Pics: Dyfed Shire Farm).

Climate

National emergency film screening in Narberth calls for urgent climate action

Published

11 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Campaigners warn climate and nature crisis is already affecting communities and say stronger government action cannot be delayed

PEMBROKESHIRE FRIENDS OF THE EARTH has renewed calls for urgent action on climate change and nature loss following a recent film screening and discussion at the Bloomfield Centre in Narberth.

The event focused on the growing threat posed by climate change and the decline of the natural environment, with campaigners warning that the challenges facing the country are more immediate and serious than many people realise.

The film featured broadcaster and environmental campaigner Chris Packham introducing presentations from a range of experts, including climate scientists and military voices. They called on the Government to launch a national response to the climate and nature crisis, showing the same level of leadership seen during World War Two and the financial crisis.

Those involved in the campaign say the aim is to push for a much stronger national effort to reduce emissions, protect wildlife and prepare communities for the effects of a more dangerous climate.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth said extreme weather, including heavier rainfall, is only the beginning of what lies ahead if urgent action is not taken.

They warned that climate and nature breakdown could increasingly damage public health, food systems, infrastructure, national security and economic stability.

The group says there is strong evidence that bold action would not only cut emissions and improve resilience, but also create jobs and improve lives.

Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth is calling for emergency legislation to speed up cuts in climate-changing emissions while investing in measures to help communities adapt.

For further information, contact Bettina Becker at Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth on [email protected]or 01437 563657.

Local Government

Dog bin misuse causing mess at Haverfordwest Racecourse

Published

11 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town council says general litter is blocking dog waste bins and leaving walkers with nowhere to dispose of bagged waste properly

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has urged Racecourse users to dispose of rubbish responsibly after repeated misuse of dog waste bins.

The council said it provides both general waste and dog waste facilities at the Upper and Lower Racecourse, as well as at most other green spaces it owns or maintains.

However, it has received ongoing reports — backed by photographic evidence — of general litter, including coffee cups and other rubbish, being placed in dog waste bins at Haverfordwest Racecourse.

Council officials say this misuse is causing the bins to become blocked and appear full when they are not. As a result, dog walkers are sometimes left with no option but to place bagged dog waste beside the bins, creating what the council described as an avoidable and unpleasant environment for everyone.

The council said this was not acceptable and could easily be avoided.

Dog waste bins are intended for bagged dog waste only and should not be used for general litter.

The council is asking all users to avoid putting general rubbish in dog bins and instead either take litter home or use the appropriate general waste bins available elsewhere on the Racecourse.

The town clerk thanked the majority of responsible users for their cooperation and said their support helps keep the Racecourse clean and welcoming for everyone.