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.

Wales tops Britain for recognising alcohol as addictive

Published

6 minutes ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NEW figures suggest people in Wales are more likely than anywhere else in Britain to recognise that alcohol can be addictive.

A YouGov survey found that 86% of respondents in Wales described alcohol as addictive, compared with 78% across Britain.

The figure was higher than Scotland at 83%, the North and Midlands at 81%, the South at 77%, and London at 69%.

Health experts said the findings showed strong public awareness in Wales, but warned that knowledge alone may not prevent risky drinking, particularly during the summer months.

Dr Karen Faulkner, Associate Medical Director at Panthera Clinic, said alcohol remained deeply embedded in British social life.

She said: “Alcohol occupies a unique place in British culture because it is both legal and socially encouraged, which can make it difficult for people to recognise when their relationship with drinking is beginning to change.

“What’s particularly interesting is that most people understand alcohol can be addictive, yet many still underestimate how easily regular drinking can become habitual.”

The NHS advises adults not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week on a regular basis, spread over three or more days, with alcohol-free days included.

Dr Faulkner said summer events, holidays, festivals, barbecues, pub gardens and sporting occasions could make drinking feel more routine.

She added: “Dependence often develops gradually and doesn’t always fit the stereotypes people associate with addiction.

“The challenge isn’t necessarily a lack of awareness about alcohol’s risks. It’s recognising when a socially accepted habit has crossed the line into something that’s beginning to have a negative impact on your health, wellbeing or daily life.”

People trying to cut back are advised to plan alcohol-free days, alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks, set limits before social events, try low or no-alcohol alternatives, and keep track of weekly intake.

Support is available in Wales through DAN 24/7, the Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline, on 0808 808 2234.

Charity

Dogs Trust calls on people in Wales to take part in National Dog Survey

Published

14 minutes ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DOG owners and animal lovers across Wales are being urged to share their views as Dogs Trust launches its National Dog Survey 2026.

The survey, now in its fifth year, asks people about the role dogs play in their lives, the realities of dog ownership, and what changes they would like to see to improve welfare.

Dogs Trust, which has rehoming centres in Bridgend and Cardiff, says the survey is open to everyone, whether they own a dog, hope to have one in the future, or simply admire dogs from afar.

The charity says more than 1.4 million responses have been gathered since the survey began, helping shape its work supporting owners, improving welfare, and campaigning on issues affecting dogs across Wales and the wider UK.

The survey is open until Tuesday, June 30, and takes around 15 minutes to complete online.

Dogs Trust said previous responses have helped it develop dog food banks, launch its free Behaviour Support Line, and highlight the difficulties faced by renters with pets.

Last year, 342,957 people took part in the survey, sharing information about more than 423,175 dogs.

Among the findings, 80 per cent of respondents said their dog was their best friend, while 95 per cent of dog owners said having a dog was good for their mental health. The survey also found that 94 per cent of owners believed dogs should be treated as members of the family.

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said: “Being a dog owner means you are part of a wonderful community, and for our fifth annual National Dog Survey, we want to bring all of these experiences together.

“This year, we’re looking to dig deeper into the incredible commitment of owners and explore what our dogs mean to us.

“And it isn’t just dog owners we want to hear from. Whether you’ve always wanted a dog, are unsure if one fits your lifestyle, or simply prefer to admire them from afar, we want to hear from you.

“We’re calling on the people of Wales — don’t be left out. We want to hear your stories, from the funny bits and the tricky bits to the quirks that make dogs one of a kind.

“The insights from this year’s survey will help ensure Dogs Trust can support dogs and their owners, and help us all live the best lives possible, together.”

To take part in the National Dog Survey 2026, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/NDS.

Caption:

Dogs Trust is urging people in Wales to take part in its National Dog Survey 2026.

Business

Glass theft warning as pubs prepare for busy summer

Published

17 minutes ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PUBGOERS are being urged to leave their pint glasses behind this summer amid warnings that thefts are adding pressure to already struggling pubs.

The call comes after Jeremy Clarkson revealed that his Oxfordshire pub, The Farmer’s Dog, is losing up to 400 pint glasses a week.

Small business comparison site Bionic said the issue is not confined to one venue, with millions of adults admitting they have taken tableware from pubs, bars or restaurants.

Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic, said: “Many people see taking a pint glass home as a harmless act, but the costs can quickly add up for pubs, bars and restaurants already facing rising expenses and tight margins.

“If you want to support UK hospitality and help your favourite venues thrive this summer, leave all pint glasses behind.”

Bionic said glass theft can also have consequences for customers.

Ms Court-Jones added: “Stealing glassware from a pub might seem like a minor offence, but it is still theft. Licensed premises have the right to refuse service and may bar individuals caught stealing.

“In some cases, the police may be called. While a prison sentence is unlikely for a minor offence, individuals may face a formal warning, a fine, or a criminal record.”

The company said pubs and bars can reduce losses by using CCTV, setting clear house rules, switching to unbranded glassware, and checking whether their insurance covers stolen or damaged stock.

Hospitality businesses across the UK have faced rising costs in recent years, including energy, staffing, food, drink and supplies, with many warning that even small losses can have a serious impact on margins.

Caption: Jeremy Clarkson at The Farmer’s Dog pub, where glass theft has reportedly become a major problem.