News
Man accused of axe threat and attack released as charges dropped
STUART JAMES, a 45-year-old resident of Nantucket Avenue in Milford Haven, has been set free after the charges against him were withdrawn. James was facing trial for allegedly threatening and attacking another man on February 9 within the town.
The accused was charged with several offences, including the act of menacing a person with an offensive weapon, causing bodily harm, inflicting serious bodily harm unintentionally, and possessing a sharply pointed article – specifically, an axe – in a public place.
The three initial charges all revolved around the same complainant, whose identity has been withheld.
During proceedings at Swansea Crown Court, the prosecution revealed that the complainant no longer wished to proceed with the case. Mr. Davies, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, explained that the complainant had been grappling with mental health challenges and felt that the stress of testifying at trial would be detrimental to his well-being.
The complainant reportedly believed that the time James had spent in custody was sufficient punishment in itself.
Consequently, Mr. Davies formally presented no evidence against the defendant.
Judge Geraint Walters, presiding over the case, subsequently found Stuart James not guilty, resulting in his immediate release.
However, Judge Walters did impose a two-year restraining order on James, with the intention of allowing the situation to calm down.
“Given the factual circumstances that you were present at the residence, it would be prudent for you both to be kept apart,” Judge Walters stated.
The decision to drop the charges and release the accused has generated mixed reactions among the public, raising questions about the impact of mental health struggles on legal proceedings and the appropriateness of the imposed restraining order.
Crime
Jailed for breaching domestic violence protection order
AMY Woolston, 20, of Vine Road, Johnston, Pembrokeshire, has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for breaching a domestic violence protection order.
On 15th May 2024, Woolston was found in the company of a man in a flat at The Farmers Arms, Market Street, Whitland, in violation of the order issued by Llanelli Magistrates Court on 10th May 2024.
The court deemed the offence serious due to the proximity to the original order and a previous breach involving the same victim. Woolston was not in custody and appeared unrepresented in court. Her total sentence length is 18 weeks.
The case was dealt with in Haverfordwest court on May 16.
News
Lease of former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse approved
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet has this week approved the transfer of the former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council.
The Cabinet approved a 21-year lease which will facilitate the Town Council’s plan to bring the premises back into use.
The future of the former Courthouse has been considered in detail, with the Town Council carrying out a public consultation on the community’s requirements, and the sites potential contribution to those local needs. The outcome of the consultation suggested that the local community wanted the building to be retained, refurbished and transformed into a multi- use centre.
Newcastle Emlyn Town Council intend to submit an application for funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF] in order to pay for the necessary restoration work. The funding is conditional upon the Town Council having a lease of sufficient term on the premises.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Alun Lenny commented: “The building as it currently stands is not needed for further use by the County Council and has been empty for some time. I welcome the Cabinet’s decision to approve the transfer of this asset to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council. The funding will ensure that the building is being used for the benefit of the town’s residents.
“This decision is in line with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Wellbeing Objectives: Enabling our communities and environment to be healthy, safe, and prosperous (Prosperous Communities).”
Crime
Teenagers fled from Pembroke RFC after setting spectators stand on fire
ON MONDAY (may 16) between the hours of 16:25 and 17:00, the spectators stand of Pembroke Rugby Football Club was deliberately set on fire, police have said.
Two males, aged between 17-19, fled from the club grounds immediately after the smoke plumes were noticed.
Both males were on dark framed push bikes and wearing dark coloured hooded jumpers.
Officers are asking if anyone who has any information or has witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area around these times, is asked to contact police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Quote reference: 24000446140
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
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