News

Suspended sentence after pub altercation leaves victim with fractured skull

Published

1 year ago

August 8, 2023

A MAN underwent a distressing ordeal on the 8th of September, 2021, when an ostensibly routine evening at a local pub took a violent turn, resulting in a fractured skull. Wesley Griffiths, a member of staff at the Bush Inn in Tenby, was left injured and unconscious after being punched by his inebriated acquaintance, Craig Jones.

The Magistrates’ Court heard this week that Mr. Griffiths was relishing a day off from his duties, enjoying a leisurely evening at the very establishment he was employed. The tranquility of the evening was shattered around 11 pm, as the pub prepared to shutter its doors for the night. A task was delegated to Mr. Griffiths to prevent any latecomers from entering, a responsibility he carried out during his smoke break outside.

Among the hopeful patrons seeking entry was Craig Jones, a friend who had partaken in the evening’s libations. Mr. Griffiths, executing his duty, politely denied Jones’ entry, a decision met with hostility. Witnesses recounted that Jones, clearly under the influence, engaged in a verbal exchange with Griffiths, accusing him of being overly earnest in his role.

In an alarming escalation, Jones brazenly snatched Mr. Griffiths’ glasses before resorting to physical violence. Onlookers noted that Jones appeared to be deliberating his actions for a brief interval before delivering a powerful punch. The impact left Mr. Griffiths incapacitated and unconscious, causing him to collapse and sustain a severe head injury upon impact with the unyielding floor.

Jones promptly fled the scene, leaving Mr. Griffiths vulnerable and in a distressed state. Upon regaining consciousness, Mr. Griffiths initially provided the authorities with misleading information, attributing the incident to an accidental fall. However, the truth emerged, eventually leading to Jones’ confession to the authorities.

In his statement, Jones attempted to justify the assault as an act of self-defense, asserting that Mr. Griffiths had displayed physical aggression and employed offensive language. This narrative, however, was debunked in court, as evidence indicated that Mr. Griffiths was the victim of an unprovoked and brutal attack.

Medical evaluations revealed the gravity of Mr. Griffiths’ injuries. Despite initially declining medical attention, his condition worsened, necessitating his admission to a hospital on the 9th of September. Subsequent examinations, including a CT scan, unveiled two brain bleeds and a depressed skull fracture. The extent of his injuries underscored the perilous nature of the incident.

In a surprising turn of events, Mr. Griffiths expressed a compassionate stance towards his assailant. This sentiment was conveyed in an updated victim personal statement, wherein he expressed his reluctance to see Jones incarcerated for his actions.

During the legal proceedings, Jones’ defence solicitor, Jon Tarrant, shed light on his client’s history of substance abuse, specifically his excessive alcohol consumption and cocaine use. Tarrant argued that the delay in the legal proceedings had allowed Jones to demonstrate his commitment to rehabilitation, evident in his compliance with a previous community order.

Presiding over the case, Recorder David Harris delivered a stern message to Jones, emphasising the severity of his actions and the life-threatening consequences that followed. The judge also acknowledged Jones’ initial attempt to downplay the incident by claiming self-defense.

In the culmination of the legal process, Jones received a suspended sentence of 10 months, offering him an opportunity for redemption on the condition that he adheres to strict requirements. These mandates include completing 200 hours of unpaid work, participating in a 10-day rehabilitation programme, and adhering to a 120-day alcohol abstinence monitoring obligation.

News

Christmas Eve sign-off for Pembrokeshire over-55s housing scheme

Published

2 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

THE FINAL sign-off for a scheme to build 24 affordable homes for the over-55s at the “eyesore” site of the former Motor World building in Milford Haven has been given the go-ahead.

W B Griffiths & Sons Ltd, on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council, in an application before the council’s November planning committee, was given approval for the construction of a new residential redevelopment of 24 affordable apartments for over-55s at 70A-80A Charles Street.

It is planned to build 21 one-bed apartments and three two-bed apartments, along with associated works.

***How the building looked before it was demolished***

The former Motor World site, previously described as an “eyesore,” was cleared in 2018 to enable redevelopment, with planning permission granted on the site for the development of 15 affordable apartments for over-55s in 2020 but the previous contractor was put into administration under what was described as, ‘significant financial stress’.

The application, submitted through agent DPP Planning, followed a public consultation earlier this year.

At the November meeting, approval was proposed by Cllr Alistair Cameron, seconded by committee chair Cllr Simon Hancock, who said: “We need to achieve regeneration of our town centres by repopulating them, and they will be much more sustainable in the future.”

He was supported by Cllr Mark Carter, who said: “I like developments like these; I think this is the way forward for communities, we’ve got a site here that as far back as I’ve been a councillor has attracted questions about when it will be built.”

A sticking point for the application was it was subject to a Welsh Government Holding Direction where planning permission could not be fully granted until an awaited vehicle Swept Path Analysis has been approved demonstrating that a turning area can be provided within the site for the largest type of vehicle that would serve it.

Members backed delegated authority for the council’s head of planning to approve the application following resolution of the issue.

The application was formally conditionally approved by planning officers on December 24, a Welsh Government response saying it “as highway authority for the A4076 trunk road does not issue a direction in respect of this application”.

Charity

Boxing Day Duck Race raises £2,000 for Wales Air Ambulance

Published

2 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE ANNUAL BOXING DAY Duck Race in Lower Fishguard, organised by the Round Table Fishguard & District, proved to be another resounding success this year.

A large crowd gathered by the riverside to watch the vibrant yellow ducks race downstream, with participants and spectators enjoying the festive tradition despite the winter chill.

Thanks to overwhelming community support, the event raised an impressive £2,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, a vital service providing emergency air cover across the region.

The winners of this year’s race were:

1st: Duck 807 – Rachel
2nd: Duck 94 – Glenys Hughes
3rd: Duck 119 – Howard Hughes

In a lighthearted twist, the title of ‘Last Place Duck’ went to Duck 937 – Julia Moffet, earning laughs from the crowd.

A spokesperson for the Round Table Fishguard & District said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who bought ducks, attended the event, or supported us in any way. It’s always a joy to see the community come together for such a great cause.”

The Boxing Day Duck Race continues to be a cherished tradition, blending fun, community spirit, and charity support into one delightful event.

Charity

Sue Ryder calls on public to donate unwanted Christmas gifts

Published

9 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NATIONAL palliative care and bereavement charity Sue Ryder is urging the public to support its end-of-life care and grief services by donating unwanted Christmas gifts.

Whether it’s a scarf that’s not your colour, a gadget you don’t need, or a novelty item gathering dust, Sue Ryder hopes people will consider donating these items to their local charity shop.

Not only will this help declutter homes after the festive season, but it will also ensure those facing bereavement or a terminal illness in the New Year can access vital support.

To donate, people can drop goods off at their nearest Sue Ryder shop. For larger items such as furniture, free collections can be arranged through the charity’s website.

Sue Ryder operates almost 400 shops across the UK in high streets, retail parks, and shopping centres, with proceeds funding hospices, palliative care hubs, and bereavement services.

Anthony Barlow, Senior Regional Manager at Sue Ryder, said: “Christmas is a wonderful time for exchanging gifts, but the reality is that many of us end up with items we don’t need. If you’re still in the gift-giving spirit and want to declutter, you can regift unwanted presents to Sue Ryder.

“By donating, you’ll not only help the environment but also support people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives—all while creating space for a fresh start in 2025.

“This New Year, we’re welcoming quality clothes, household goods, electricals, books, toys, accessories, and collectibles.”