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.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

5 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

5 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!

Community

Milford Haven Business Circle launches litter-free zone initiative

Published

5 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling on the community to join the launch of its new Litter-Free Zone.

In partnership with Keep Wales Tidy Pembrokeshire, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, greener town centre while promoting environmental responsibility and community pride.

The event marks a collective effort to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a litter-free environment and highlights the far-reaching benefits of a cleaner town centre.

The organisation says that a cleaner, more attractive town centre is key to drawing visitors and potential investors.

This initiative is expected to stimulate economic activity, benefiting local businesses and encouraging growth in Milford Haven.

The project not only enhances the town’s appearance but also instils a sense of pride among residents. By improving cleanliness, the initiative aims to encourage more community participation in local events and activities.

Reducing litter has significant environmental benefits, including:

Protecting Wildlife: Preventing harm to animals caused by ingestion or entanglement.
Cleaner Air and Water: Reducing pollution in streets and waterways, fostering healthier ecosystems.
Sustainable Practices: Encouraging recycling and proper waste disposal to cut down on the town’s environmental footprint.
Creating Green Spaces: Supporting the development of habitats, recreational areas, and improved air quality for residents.

The Milford Haven Business Circle believes this initiative will set a strong example for other communities, demonstrating the power of collective action in fostering a sustainable future.

By joining this movement, participants can contribute to making Milford Haven a shining example of environmental care and community cooperation. Let’s work together to transform our town into a cleaner, greener space for all to enjoy.

Stay tuned for event details and updates. Together, we can make a difference!