AROUND 40 people gathered outside a residential address in Burton on Sunday to protest against Christopher Phillips, 33, who faces serious charges, including sexual penetration of a seven-week-old baby, assault, ill-treatment, neglect, and abandonment, causing serious physical harm.

The protest followed widespread public outcry on social media after The Pembrokeshire Herald reported on Friday’s court case, during which Phillips was re-granted bail despite the severity of the charges against him. The Pembrokeshire Herald understands that police informed protesters at the scene that Phillips was not at the address during the demonstration.

Phillips’ co-accused, Bryony O’Rourke, is also facing charges, accused of allowing the child to suffer serious physical harm.

Protesters told The Pembrokeshire Herald they attended to show support for the alleged victim and express their anger over individuals facing such serious allegations being granted bail. Observers noted that the group was peaceful and orderly, with no signs of public disorder or misconduct during the protest.

One protester said: “We’re here for the baby. It’s not right that people accused of such horrific crimes are allowed to walk free in the community.”

A COURT has heard harrowing details of a violent domestic assault in Milford Haven that took place on Christmas Day, captured in its entirety on a home “puppy-cam.”

The victim called 999 around 8:00pm after her partner, Kurt Blackband, 51, launched a prolonged and violent attack on her.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard this week that the assault lasted over 11 minutes.

The victim was sitting on the sofa holding a young puppy when Blackband began shouting at her to deposit money into his account.

“Do it now, you f****** selfish c****,” he screamed before throwing a small folding table across the room.

Violent threats and intimidation

As the victim attempted to stand, Blackband was seen clenching his fist, motioning as if to punch her. Crown Prosecutor Nia James described how he escalated the violence by picking up a lamp and smashing it, plunging the room into darkness.

The victim pleaded with him to leave, explaining she had no money, but Blackband punched her twice in the stomach, shouting: “Put the money in my bank.”

He then hurled a large Santa Claus ornament across the room, issuing an ultimatum: “If you want me to leave, put £200 in my bank. You only have one choice.”

Blackband threatened to take the puppy before striking the victim on the leg with a backhand, warning he would give her a “dead leg.”

He also punched her in the arm and pushed her back onto the sofa before grabbing a piece of the Christmas tree, appearing to prepare to throw it at her.

When the victim said she could only afford to give him £50, Blackband told her to pack her bags and leave.

Guilty plea in court

Blackband represented himself in court and was seen wiping away tears as he pleaded guilty to assault by beating.

Magistrates fined him £1,000 and ordered him to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.

He was also sentenced to a 12-month Community Order, which includes ten rehabilitation activity requirement days.

This shocking case highlights the importance of reporting domestic abuse and ensuring justice for victims.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, support is available.

A MERLINS BRIDGE man has been sentenced for driving dangerously along a prolonged stretch of road between Merlins Bridge and Herbrandston.

Dashcam footage captured Nathan David Waller, 22, committing a series of dangerous manoeuvres, including:

• Crossing the central white line while approaching oncoming cars;
• Straddling the central white line repeatedly;
• Narrowly avoiding collisions with oncoming vehicles;
• Driving through two sets of red traffic lights;
• Crossing the central white line on bends.

This week, Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court reviewed the footage after Waller, of Freemans View, Merlins Bridge, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.

‘Prolonged course of dangerous driving’

Crown Prosecutor Nia James told the court: “The defendant was seen by another motorist driving his silver Ford Focus between 11:20 am and 11:45 am on September 17.

“He contravened two sets of red traffic lights, prompting the motorist to continue following him and record the incident on a dashcam. It was a prolonged course of dangerous driving, and there appears to be absolutely no reason for what he did.”

Personal struggles and remorse

Probation officer Julie Norman revealed that Waller had no recollection of the events, citing personal difficulties at the time.

“Around that time, there was a bereavement in the family when his grandmother passed away, and his long-term relationship ended,” she said. “He moved back in with his mother and was taking over-the-counter medication to help with his sleep.”

Waller’s solicitor, Tom Lloyd, added: “This isn’t something he’s taken lightly, and the disqualification is going to be a huge punishment for him.”

Sentencing

Waller, who has no previous convictions, was sentenced to a 12-month community order, requiring him to complete 150 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and will need to retake his driving test.

The court also ordered Waller to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.