News

Haverfordwest woman sentenced for perverting the course of justice

Published

2 years ago

April 25, 2023

A COURT has heard how ‘fear and intimidation’ prompted a Haverfordwest woman to pervert the course of justice by lying to police about the identity of a man who kicked another unconscious.

Shannon Thompson maintained in a police interview and also in a written statement that the man responsible for the violent attack was Wayne John. As a result, Mr John was forced to spend 22 hours in police custody.

But this, Swansea Crown Court heard this week, was a blatant lie.

The attack had been committed by Jedd Hitchings and Gareth Roberts on the evening of December 14, 2021, as Mr John was accompanying his friend, Mr Graham Nicholas as he walked home to Three Meadows.

When they reached Jury Lane, Mr Nicholas walked on ahead while Mr John held back with his dog.

When Mr John reached The Meadows housing estate, he saw his friend being knocked to the floor by a punch from Jedd Hitchings who then proceeded to kick and stamp on his head along with Gareth Roberts.

A witness told police that the attack lasted for some 30 seconds, resulting in Mr Nicholas sustaining a broken nose, numerous lacerations to his face and head and a deformity to his top lip which can’t be rectified.

Shannon Thompson, 22, arrived at the scene with her friend, Dion Morgan, who lived in the flat above Mr Nicholas.

“When Miss Thompson saw the extent of his injuries, she began tending to them,” her counsel, Ashanti-Jade Walton, KC, told the court.

“She sat with him on the floor, trying to stop the bleeding and asked a neighbour for a tea towel to stem the bleeding.

“When the police arrived she was still on the floor tending to his injuries and she went to the hospital with him as she was concerned about the state he was in.”

But when police began asking her questions about the person responsible for the attack, Thomson persistently claimed it was Mr John.

This, continued Ms Walto, was because Thompson had been forced to do so by Hitchings and his partner, Dion Morgan.

“Shannon Thompson had fallen into friendship with a group of individuals who were very different from her,” said Ms Walton. “Her life has not been easy, and she felt that any form of friendship was a place where she could be accepted, as this has been very much missing in her life.“

Shannon Thompson, of Cashfield Way, Haverfordwest and Dion Morgan, both pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

After listening to the mitigation, Judge Catherine Richards sentenced Thompson to six months in custody suspended for 12 months. She must carry out 20 rehabilitation requirement days and 100 hours of unpaid work. She was subjected to a five-year restraining order preventing her from engaging in any form of communication with Graham Nicholas.

The sentencing of Dion Morgan has been adjourned pending a pre-sentence report from the probation service. This will now take place on May 12.

Jedd Hitchings pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and perverting the course of justice. He was sentenced to 27 months in custody. Gareth Roberts pleaded guilty to wounding and will serve 19 months in prison.

Crime

Begelly man sentenced for carrying metal bar during nightclub fight

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A MAN has been sentenced after approaching a Pembrokeshire nightclub armed with a metre-long metal bar.

Just after 2:30am on July 21, police were called to Main Street, Pembroke, following reports of a large fight involving around 100 people outside ‘Out’ nightclub.

Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week: “Officers were told it was a large fight. They saw Walter Probert, 27, march purposefully towards a parked van.

“The van’s lights were on, and they saw the defendant pull out a long, green metal pole. He took ten steps back towards the nightclub and transferred the pole from one hand to the other.”

Another man approached Probert, removed the pole from his hands, and placed it inside the van.

“Because of the manner in which the pole was used by the defendant, it became an offensive weapon,” added Ms James.

CCTV footage of the incident was shown to magistrates.

Probation officer Julie Norman said Probert had no recollection of the incident.

“He doesn’t remember what he was doing, but he accepts everything that has been said. He was very drunk,” she said.

“He was brought up in the gypsy travelling community and doesn’t have an alcohol issue; he’s just a social drinker. He’s thankful to his friend who took the pole and placed it back inside the van.”

Probert, of the Caravan Site, Kingsmoor Common, Begelly, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. He was represented in court by Mr Tom Lloyd.

“No threats were made by the defendant when he picked it up, but it was a stupid decision,” said Mr Lloyd. “As soon as he was challenged and asked what he was doing, he ceased.”

Probert was sentenced to a 12-month community order, requiring him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 court surcharge. Magistrates imposed a destruction order on the metal bar.

Charity

Set a New Year Challenge and explore Pembrokeshire for animals in 2025

Published

4 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ANIMAL lovers in Pembrokeshire looking to set an exciting goal for 2025 can now sign up for the RSPCA’s fundraising challenges, including the iconic Tour of Pembrokeshire on 24 May 2025.

From scenic bike rides to adrenaline-fueled adventures, the RSPCA is encouraging participants to embrace a challenge that not only benefits their health but also helps animals in need.

Abi Mustard, Events Manager at the RSPCA, said: “If you’re looking for a unique challenge for the New Year, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers a perfect blend of stunning coastal views, physical endurance, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare.”

The Tour of Pembrokeshire is renowned for showcasing some of the most breathtaking routes in Wales, attracting cyclists of all abilities. Participants will navigate challenging climbs, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, all while raising crucial funds for the RSPCA’s work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals across Wales.

Abi added: “Every mile cycled and every pound raised makes a difference. You’ll not only experience the beauty of Pembrokeshire but also become part of a dedicated team working to stop animal cruelty and neglect.”

Why Join the RSPCA Tour of Pembrokeshire Challenge?

Personalised support from the RSPCA events team
RSPCA branded cycling jersey once fundraising reaches £50
Access to a dedicated events Facebook group for tips and encouragement
Cheering packs for family and friends on event day

More RSPCA Challenges Across Wales in 2025

Chepstow Half Marathon: 26 January
ABP Newport Wales Marathon: 13 April
Gower Peninsula Challenge: 19–20 July
Snowdon Triple: 18–19 August
Cardiff Half Marathon: 5 October

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a first-time fundraiser, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers an unforgettable experience with a purpose.

To sign up or request a fundraising pack, visit the RSPCA website today and start your journey towards making a difference—for yourself and for animals in need.

Together, let’s make 2025 a year of action, compassion, and achievement.

News

Police close Westfield Pill Bridge over concerns for person’s welfare

Published

4 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FEARS for a person’s safety led police to close Westfield Pill Bridge, near Neyland.

The bridge, on the A477 between Honeyborough roundabout and the Cleddau Bridge, was shut for just over an hour, with drivers advised to seek alternative routes.

The incident took place on Friday evening and was concluded when the person was located safe and well.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a call for a concern for the welfare of an individual on Westfield Pill Bridge at around 7:30pm on Friday, December 20.

“The road was closed and reopened at around 8:40pm.

“The individual was located safe and well.”

This is not the first time such an incident has led to a bridge closure.

There have been several previous similar incidents, including on Friday, October 4, 2024, the Cleddau Bridge was closed for about an hour following a call reporting a welfare concern. The closure occurred at around 4:45pm, and the bridge reopened at 5:45pm.

The person involved was taken to the hospital for treatment.

In June, a multi–agency rescue operation unfolded at Neyland Marina after a youth jumped approximately 40 metres from Westfield Bridge into the water below.

Emergency services, including crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) stations in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, and Carmarthen, were swiftly dispatched to the scene.

According to a spokesperson for MAWWFRS, members of the public were instrumental in rescuing the youth before the arrival of the emergency crews.