News

Abusive man pointed knife at partner’s throat and threatened to kill her

Published

3 years ago

April 27, 2022

A CONTROLLING boyfriend who pointed a knife at his partner’s throat and threatened to kill her in front of two teenage girls has been jailed for 33 months.

Elliot Kershaw, aged 43, of Wesley Court, Warren Street, Tenby, initially denied all offences, but at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, 25 April, he pleaded guilty to affray and ABH.

Dyfed-Powys Police were called to Trafalgar Road, Tenby on October 21, following a dropped 999 call by a woman with sounds of a disturbance in the background.

When officers arrived, they spoke with the victim, her daughter and her daughter’s friend, who had been left shaken by the experience.

It was established that following an argument Kershaw made threats in the presence of the teenagers, saying he was going to “murder” the victim, “kick her face in” and “go mental”, before storming out of the living room and returning with a knife from the kitchen.

The witnesses reported he was holding the knife above his head saying repeatedly: “You’ll see, you’ll see. Do you want me to show you?’, with his face was contorted with anger.

He was then described as holding the knife out in front of himself and continued to make threats against the victim while holding the tip of the knife close to her throat.

Kershaw was arrested at the scene.

During the resulting investigation the victim gave further statements which disclosed previous assaults, as well as coercive and controlling behaviour by Kershaw throughout their two-year relationship.

This included extreme jealousy when the victim was not with him, blocking contact with family and friends, violence and even following her when she was on a night out with work colleagues.

The victim reported that on Thursday, 9th January 2020, she was sitting on the sofa when Kershaw became angry about something unknown, stood up and kicked her in the face causing a bruise to her cheek. Kershaw would not allow the victim to go to work or answer the front door the following day as the bruise was visible.

Kershaw was in court on Monday when he offered a guilty plea for affray for the incident on 21^st October 2020, as well as ABH for an assault that had occurred previously in the relationship, which was accepted by the victim and prosecution.

He received 33 months imprisonment and a five-year restraining order covering his victim and her daughter.

In a statement to the court, the victim said she had moved house as a result of the abuse to a home that felt more secure.

She added: “Looking back on the relationship now that it is over and now that I have gained a bit of perspective; although I am questioning my whole understanding of what is acceptable in relationships, I realised how toxic the relationship had been.

“I can see how unhappy we all were in the relationship and how the house never really felt like ‘ours’ due to Elliot’s presence and the influence that he would impose on us both when we were inside. It felt more like a prison than a home.

“This whole situation has had a massive strain on me emotionally as I was also caring for my elderly parents, attempting to protect my daughter and at times I have really buried my head in the sand as there were days I could not face what has happened and there are still days where it takes all my energy just to function. I am embarrassed and feel that this relationship and subsequent violent ending has made me focus on how vulnerable I was and how vulnerable I still feel.”

Speaking afterwards, she thanked the officers involved in the investigation, adding she and her daughter felt supported and reassured through the whole investigation and court process.

Investigating officer DC Joe Hartnell said: “Violence against women and girls is never acceptable and as a force we are working hard to stop it happening in our area.

“We’re pleased with the outcome in this case, which we hope offers some solace to the victims and will serve as a warning for anyone who is being abusive.

“If you are suffering at the hands of someone please get in touch. We will support and guide you through the process.

“It is also important to tell us if you witness or hear anyone being abused – please don’t just let it pass. We can only act if we know it is happening.”

Police said: “You can report it to Dyfed-Powys Police online by by calling 101. Alternatively, you can speak to Goleudy victim support on 0300 1232996, or Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”

Business

Pembroke Dock opticians fundraises to support local families

Published

5 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKE DOCK opticians has collected food, toiletries and seasonal supplies to help individuals and families in Pembrokeshire experiencing financial hardship.

The collection, organised by trainee dispensing optician Courtney Hearn, was donated to PATCH (Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship), a local charity dedicated to providing essential items, including food parcels, clothing and household necessities to those in need.

PATCH also holds an annual Christmas Toy Appeal, which ensures children in need receive gifts, art materials, chocolates and wrapping supplies, bringing joy to families facing challenging circumstances during the festive season.

The Specsavers team contributed food and toiletries, while retail director Ellie Thomas-Wigley and optometrist Andrew Williams purchased wrapping paper and Sellotape, following guidance from PATCH, to support the appeal.

Ellie Thomas-Wigley says: ‘We’re incredibly proud of our team’s generosity and their commitment to helping the community. PATCH plays a vital role in supporting local families facing difficult times, particularly during the festive season, and we’re pleased to contribute to their important work.

‘Thank you to our customers and team for coming together to support those in need at such a critical time of year.’

Since 2008, PATCH has been providing support to Pembrokeshire residents by working with referral agencies such as health workers and social services. The charity’s Basics Bank offers immediate help to those experiencing crises, including job losses, benefit delays, or emergency situations like fire or homelessness.

To learn more about PATCH or to donate, visit their charity shop on Charles Street.
Specsavers Pembroke Dock is open seven days a week. To find out more and book an appointment, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/pembrokedock.

Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.

Entertainment

Body slamming entertainment at the Torch Theatre!

Published

5 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FROM Port Talbot to Llanelli and Porthcawl to Lampeter, the Superstars of Welsh Wrestling are on the road around the country and are getting ready to rumble! They’ll bring their live body slamming family entertainment show to the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, for a one-night extravaganza that you won’t want to miss!

Since its establishment in 2005, Welsh Wrestling has cemented its status as the number one wrestling promotion in Wales, running top quality wrestling shows all over the country in some of the most prestigious venues and theatres. Throughout each year the Superstars of Welsh Wrestling perform in front of several thousand fans, guaranteeing each paying customer of all ages a fun, action-packed, family night out.

Witness the wrestling extravaganza at the Torch that’s guaranteed to get children (and adults) screaming and cheering for their favourite wrestler and making memories that last a lifetime. Pop down to the Torch and witness the glamour and chaos in this showcase of entertainment and athleticism in a memorable family night out.

The Welsh Wrestling Facebook page has information on its Wales tour with positive feedback from several audience members with one being quoted as saying:

“What a fantastic night. My two grandsons loved every minute of the show. A great show designed with families in mind. I will highly recommend this to all friends and family. Thanks for a great evening!”

Welsh Wrestling will be live at the Torch Theatre wrestling ring on Sunday 23 February at 5pm. Ticket prices: Family: £45. Adult: £15. Child: £12. For tickets phone the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

Crime

Police issue update following incident at Tenby multi-storey

Published

2 days ago

January 3, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed this morning that they are investigating a collision on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park in Tenby, at around 4pm on Thursday, January 2.

The collision, police said, involved a grey Nissan Qashqai and a young child.

The child remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The family are being supported by specially trained officers.

One man, aged 33, has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving, drink driving, and drug driving. He remains in police custody.

Police issued a statement saying: “This is a tragic incident and is a live investigation.

“We ask that you do not speculate the circumstances and allow our officers to carry out their enquiries.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to us, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.