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Migraine prevented defendant attending noise disturbance case

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A MILFORD HAVEN resident has been handed a hefty fine of almost £4,000 after consistently failing to adhere to a noise abatement notice issued due to her excessively loud music.

Ms. Gemma Hughes, 27, formerly of 10 Howarth Close, repeatedly disregarded requests from Pembrokeshire County Council to moderate the volume of her music. The nature of her living situation, occupying one unit in a block of four flats, amplified the issue, causing significant disturbance to neighbouring residents.

Alys Williams, legal counsel for Pembrokeshire County Council, noted: “The music often permeated the neighbouring flats, causing considerable inconvenience. Moreover, the music was frequently played during anti-social hours.”

Ms. Hughes was scheduled to present her case before the Haverfordwest magistrates, having contested two charges related to the contravention of the noise abatement notice. However, a last-minute call from her husband informed the court of her inability to attend due to a migraine. The absence of any medical verification led the magistrates to move forward with the proceedings in her absence.

Public health officer, Steve Morbey, recounted the series of complaints received concerning the disruptive noise from Ms. Hughes’ residence. “Over a significant period, we fielded numerous complaints which culminated in the issuance of the abatement notice, urging her to address the noise levels,” Morbey stated. “Regrettably, this seemed to have minimal impact.”

Supporting the claims, police officer Matthew Davies spoke about an incident from May 22, 2022. He recalled, “Upon my arrival around 12.30am, the music was audibly emanating from the flat. Ms. Hughes requested to continue playing a particular song she favoured when asked to reduce the volume. Even from a distance of 15 metres, the music remained distinctly audible.”

A subsequent incident the following month, recounted by police officer Skone from Pembroke Dock, added to the mounting evidence against Ms. Hughes. Skone stated, “Shortly after midnight, we received yet another complaint. The overpowering music from Ms. Hughes’ flat was evident even in the communal hallway.”

Given the weight of the evidence, the magistrates adjudged Ms. Hughes guilty on both counts. The consequent penalties amounted to £3,979.75, including £1,320 in fines, £2,525.75 in prosecution costs payable to Pembrokeshire County Council, and a £132 statutory surcharge.

Crime

Teenager charged following rape allegation at Saundersfoot nightclub

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Incident reported at Sands Nightclub in early hours of Sunday

DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating an allegation of rape following an incident reported at Sands Nightclub in Saundersfoot in the early hours of Sunday (Dec 14).

An 18-year-old man was arrested after officers were called to the venue, which is a popular late-night spot in the seaside village. The allegation relates to events said to have taken place during the early hours of the morning.

Joshua Probert, aged 18, has since been charged with one count of rape. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Dec 18).

The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity under law, and no further details about the allegation can be reported at this stage.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that enquiries are ongoing. Officers are understood to have carried out initial investigative work shortly after the report was made, including speaking to witnesses.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

  • Anyone affected by sexual assault or rape can contact the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line, run by Rape Crisis England & Wales, on 0808 500 2222. Calls are free and confidential.
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Local Government

Mayor visits Milford Haven Library Christmas event

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THE MAYOR of Milford Haven, Cllr William Elliott, paid a visit to Milford Haven Library on Tuesday morning to attend its festive Mince Pie and a Cuppa event.

The event brought together library staff and local residents, with the Mayor thanking staff for their work supporting the community throughout the year. During the visit, Cllr Elliott also spent time speaking with residents who had come along to the event or were visiting the library to borrow books.

Milford Haven Library is part of the Pembrokeshire Libraries service, which provides access to books, information, and community activities across the county.

The Mayor wished residents a Merry Christmas at the close of his visit.

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Crime

Milford Haven man jailed after drunken attack on partner and police officers

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A MILFORD HAVEN man who launched a violent drunken assault on his partner before attacking two police officers has been jailed for three years and six months.

Alexander Campbell was sentenced on Wednesday (Dec 16) at Swansea Crown Court after admitting causing grievous bodily harm and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The court heard that Campbell had been in a relationship with his partner, Miss Cox, for six years. On the night of the offence, he returned home highly intoxicated and became argumentative.

Alexander Campbell was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court, with the judge describing him as a “cowardly bully.”

Prosecutor Rieve Nesbitt-Marr told the court that Miss Cox advised Campbell to go upstairs and sleep off the alcohol. Instead, he began poking her and told her not to tell him what to do.

Campbell then launched what Miss Cox described as “a flurry of punches that rained down on her.”

Neighbours contacted police after hearing the disturbance. When officers arrived, they found a smashed bowl on the floor and Miss Cox lying on the sofa under a blanket, covering her face.

Body-worn camera footage played in court showed Campbell threatening officers, telling them: “I will turn this place into a f***ing murder scene.”

As officers attempted to separate the parties, PC Thomas placed her arm out to create distance. Campbell grabbed her wrist with force, an assault captured on body-worn video.

He then attacked PC Jones, climbing on top of him and punching him repeatedly, again recorded on police body-worn footage.

PC Thomas later attended Withybush Hospital, where she received four stitches under local anaesthetic. Miss Cox suffered severe facial bruising, with one eye swollen almost shut.

The court was told that Miss Cox’s ten-year-old daughter was upstairs at the property during the incident.

Campbell has 27 previous offences. In mitigation, the court heard that he accepted alcohol turned him into a different person, telling the court: “I’m an ugly person when I drink. I’m a different person when I’m sober.”

Sentencing Campbell, the judge said he knew better than anyone how alcohol affected him.

“You came home in a bad mood and almost predictively, you assaulted her,” the judge said.
“The noise and aggression was such that the neighbour called the police.”
“You gave her a bruise on her face that can only be described as a large shiner.”
“In short, you have injured three people. Your conduct was utterly pathetic, like an overgrown child.”

The judge also referred to Campbell’s violent history, describing him as a “cowardly bully.”

While acknowledging that Campbell had previously complied well with a suspended sentence after removing his own alcohol tag, the judge said custody was unavoidable.

Campbell was sentenced to three years and six months in prison, with half to be served in custody and the remainder on licence.

Warning him about his future, the judge added: “If you carry on with this behaviour you will spend a lifetime in prison. The only person who can change this is you.”

The court also granted a restraining order for five years.

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