13-minute abuse call followed Facebook contact – defendant warned over behaviour in court

A PEMBROKE man has been guilty of threatening to kill the editor of the Pembrokeshire Herald during a prolonged and abusive phone call, and of a racially aggravated public order offence committed when police arrested him.

Anthony Jones, 34, of Castle Quarry, Long Mains, Monkton, was convicted of both charges following a trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

Magistrates heard the threats followed publication of an online Herald article about fly grazing and loose horses on roads in the Monkton area of Pembroke — a story raised with the newspaper by local county councillor Jonathan Grimes.

Facebook approach before call

Editor Tom Sinclair told the court he was first contacted via Facebook Messenger by a profile operating under the name “Excellence Cleaning”.

The account claimed to have information about the horses’ ownership and repeatedly asked for a direct phone number.

Mr Sinclair said he initially offered the office landline but was pressed for his mobile number instead.

Within minutes of providing it, he received a call from a withheld number at around 5:52pm.

Police later traced that number to Jones.

“On a different level”

Mr Sinclair told the court the call lasted around 13 minutes and consisted of sustained verbal abuse and threats.

He said the caller repeatedly swore at him, demanded that the Facebook article be removed, and made threats of death towards him. The caller also mentioned Cllr Grimes and threatened him as well.

Giving evidence, Mr Sinclair said: “I often receive complaints and quite aggressive calls as part of the job, but this was on a different level.”

He said he believed the threats were genuine and intended to intimidate.

After the call ended, he consulted colleague Bruce Sinclair and Cllr Grimes before contacting police.

Screenshots of the Facebook messages and the mobile phone call log were later provided to officers as evidence.

Sinclair said in evidence that he sat in his car, parked outside his house for several hours that night, keeping watch to protect his family.

“I did not take the decision to give evidence today lightly, it is because I believe that it is important that the news can be printed without fear or favour, and that journalists should not have to be bullied or threatened for just doing their jobs.”

Courtroom outburst

Jones did not give evidence in his own defence.

His solicitor told the court he accepted making the call but denied that the contents were threatening.

While Mr Sinclair was giving evidence, Jones shouted from the dock, calling him a liar. Magistrates immediately warned him about his behaviour.

After the guilty verdicts were delivered, the chairman of the bench told Jones he was lucky not to face a separate contempt of court charge because of his conduct during the hearing.

Arrest incident

The court also heard that when officers attended to arrest Jones in connection with the threats, he used threatening and abusive language towards a police officer.

That offence was found to be racially aggravated and to have caused harassment, alarm and distress.

Sentencing pending

Jones was found guilty on both counts.

He was released on conditional bail and will return to court later this month for sentencing.

Police thank community and media following public appeal to trace suspect

AN ARREST has been made following last week’s stabbing in Carmarthen that triggered a major police search and public appeal.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the development on Monday after officers spent several days carrying out extensive searches around Carmarthen Park and surrounding areas.

The force had been trying to locate 57-year-old James McKenna in connection with an attempted murder after a woman was attacked inside the park on Thursday afternoon.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ross Evans said: “We would like to thank the media and our communities for assisting our investigation so far.”

The incident happened shortly after 4:00pm on Thursday when a woman was injured inside the park and managed to escape through the Picton Terrace entrance to raise the alarm.

Emergency services, including the Welsh Ambulance Service, attended and the victim was taken to hospital with stab wounds. Police have since confirmed she is expected to make a full recovery.

Over the weekend, officers carried out forensic examinations and systematic searches of the park, nearby allotments, wooded areas and along the River Towy. Specialist teams, including dog handlers and drone pilots, were deployed as part of the operation.

A knife believed to have been used in the attack and a rucksack were recovered during the searches.

Police have not yet released further details about the arrest or any charges.

Officers previously thanked local residents for their patience during road closures and visible policing in the area, and say enquiries remain ongoing.

Anyone with information is still urged to contact police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Police expand searches across riverbank and woodland as public urged to come forward with information

DYFED-POWYS POLICE say their search for a man wanted in connection with an attempted murder in Carmarthen Park is continuing.

Officers have been carrying out extensive enquiries since Thursday afternoon (4:00pm) when a woman was attacked inside the park.

The 57-year-old suspect, James McKenna, remains outstanding.

He is described as white, British, around five foot seven inches tall, bald with white facial hair. At the time of the incident, he is believed to have been wearing a green coat and a blue beanie hat.

Police were called just after 4:00pm following reports a woman had been injured inside the park. She managed to escape through the Picton Terrace entrance and raise the alarm.

Officers attended alongside colleagues from the Welsh Ambulance Service. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to stab wounds and is expected to make a full recovery.

Since then, specialist teams have carried out forensic examinations and systematic searches of the park, nearby allotments, woodland, wetlands and the River Towy riverbank.

Dog handlers, drone pilots and police search advisers have been involved in the operation.

A knife believed to have been used in the attack, along with a rucksack, has been recovered.

Detectives are also carrying out digital and financial enquiries and have contacted local transport providers to determine whether the suspect attempted to leave the area.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ross Evans said officers had worked continuously over the weekend.

He said: “We are doing all we can to locate James McKenna. Our searches have expanded to cover large wooded areas and places he is known to frequent.

“At this time, we do not believe he has left the area using transport, but we urge anyone with information to get in touch immediately.

“Despite the seriousness of the attack, the victim is expected to make a full recovery. We are supporting her and her family.

“We thank the community for their cooperation while our work continues.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police online, by calling 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.