Judge warns defendant this is his “last chance” as suspended jail term imposed

A 49-YEAR-OLD man who walked into Cardigan town centre carrying a 20-inch kitchen knife has been given a suspended prison sentence.

BENJAMIN Learoyd was arrested on August 9 after police received reports that he had left his address in Bath House Road with a large knife.

“He was heading into Cardigan town centre,” Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told District Judge Mark Layton at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

Officers located Learoyd at around 9:15pm as he walked down Feidrfair towards Finch Square. He was detained, and the knife — concealed inside his jacket pocket — was recovered.

“It was a kitchen knife and measured 20 inches in its entirety,” Mr Davies said.

Learoyd, of Llysowen, Bath House Road, Cardigan, pleaded guilty to possessing the knife and to failing to surrender to court bail on November 4.

“It’s very concerning that you left your accommodation with a knife, and that you had in mind inflicting harm on others,” Judge Layton told him. “This crosses the custody threshold.”

Learoyd was sentenced to 36 weeks in custody, suspended for two years. He must complete ten rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay a £154 surcharge and £845 in costs.

“This is your last chance,” the judge warned. “Any person who goes out with a bladed article, resulting in a second conviction, will have a minimum sentence.”

A deprivation order was made for the knife.

Ten-year-old dog found emaciated with facial wound as judge warns custody “starting point” for sentence

A COURT has been shown harrowing footage of a ten-year-old labrador found wallowing in its own excrement with a severe facial injury, signs of malnutrition and an inadequate supply of water.

Residents in Milton Crescent, Milford Haven raised the alarm after hearing the dog – known as Andy – howling continuously for three days.

This week the owner, Candice Mottram, 32, appeared before a district judge sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where she pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the animal’s veterinary needs were met.

RSPCA inspectors and Pembrokeshire County Council officers discovered the dog on April 5 after repeated attempts to contact Mottram went unanswered.

“The RSPCA received information that a dog had been heard howling for three days and three nights at the defendant’s address,” said Kevin Withey, prosecuting on behalf of the charity. “But the defendant was not there.”

Messages were sent to Mottram warning that the dog was injured and bleeding from its mouth but, despite the messages being received, the court heard she gave no response.

Police eventually forced entry to the property, where inspectors were met with an “overwhelming smell of animal faeces” coming from the kitchen. Inside, they found Andy.

“There was excrement all over the floor and it became clear the dog was emaciated,” Mr Withey said. “When he was let out into the garden, he immediately began drinking from a dirty water butt.”

Mottram had been drinking in a local pub before returning to the address a short time later. “She was defensive and irate when asked about the dog’s condition, claiming she had provided treatment historically,” he added.

With Mottram’s permission, the dog was removed and taken to a veterinary clinic. There, Andy was assessed to be in very poor body condition, scoring two – possibly three – out of ten.

“He was extremely emaciated, had eye and ear problems, and the cut to his face was either an old wound or a burst abscess full of discharge,” said Mr Withey. “This caused unnecessary suffering due to prolonged neglect and the defendant’s deliberate choice not to seek veterinary care.”

Photographs of the dog were shown to District Judge Layton.

Given the seriousness of the case, the judge adjourned sentencing to December 17 to allow the probation service to prepare an all-options report. Judge Layton warned Mottram that the starting point for her sentence is 18 weeks in custody.

Calls for investment, not cuts, after summer health board consultation

Paul Davies MS has urged the First Minister to intervene and oppose any move by Hywel Dda University Health Board to remove further services from Withybush Hospital following its consultation earlier this year.

The Preseli Pembrokeshire Member said residents should not be expected to travel further afield for essential medical care and warned that any reduction in services would place additional strain on families across the county.

Mr Davies said the hospital required “investment and support, not further cuts,” and repeated his long-standing call for clarity over the future of acute services in Haverfordwest.

The summer consultation sought views on the health board’s long-term plans for hospital services in west Wales, including proposals that could see more care centralised outside Pembrokeshire. Those plans have faced strong opposition locally, particularly from campaigners who say that travel times and rural isolation already present significant barriers to healthcare.

Mr Davies added that he would continue pressing Welsh Government ministers to ensure Withybush retains its core services and receives the funding needed to operate safely and sustainably.