Crime

Woman escapes jail despite vicious stiletto attack

Published

2 years ago

November 1, 2023

Swansea Crown Court has heard how Emma Blackmore, 43, viciously attacked a fellow clubber with the heel of her stiletto during a drunken brawl. The assault, which left the victim with a permanent scar on her forehead, took place in the early hours of Sunday, January 29, this year.

Brian Simpson, the prosecutor, revealed in Swansea Crown Court that Blackmore’s sister had become embroiled in an altercation within OUT nightclub. The victim, demonstrating an act of kindness, was attempting to separate the parties involved when Blackmore intervened. Grasping the victim by her hair, Blackmore struck her three times on the face and head with the stiletto she was carrying. The impact could have resulted in severe consequences; the judge noted that had the heel landed marginally differently, the victim might have lost an eye.

Recorder Benjamin Blakemore admonished Blackmore, labelling her actions as “ridiculously reckless” and emphasising the potential serious consequences of her violent assault. The victim, in a poignant statement, expressed the significant emotional toll the incident had taken on her and her children, leaving her feeling scrutinised and humiliated.

The court also heard from a female bouncer, injured during the melee when Blackmore struck out, expressing her shock at being subjected to such behaviour while simply doing her job. David Singh, Blackmore’s defence counsel, conceded the appalling nature of the act and acknowledged that Blackmore had jeopardised her freedom, employment, and ability to care for her son with additional needs.

Despite the gravity of the crime, Recorder Blakemore opted for a suspended sentence, taking into account the impact immediate custody would have on Blackmore’s young son. He stated, “I am prepared to suspend this sentence principally for him, not you.” Blackmore received an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a requirement to complete 280 hours of unpaid work and attend a rehabilitation course focusing on thinking skills and alcohol misuse. Moreover, she was ordered to pay her victim £800 in compensation within the next 12 months.

Crime

Haverfordwest man fined for damaging car wing mirror

Published

10 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Court Reporter

Victim later retracted statement, court hears

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been fined after admitting to damaging a car wing mirror belonging to a woman in the town earlier this year.

Luke Owen, 33, of Wayside Close, Simpson Cross, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Nov 12), where he pleaded guilty to criminal damage.

The court heard that on May 7, 2025, Owen damaged the wing mirror of a black Peugeot 2008.

Prosecutor Sian Vaughan said the damage was minor, and a victim personal statement was not presented to the court as the complainant had since retracted it.

Owen, represented by Mike Kelleher of Welch & Co Solicitors, was fined £40.

He was also ordered to pay £20 in compensation, £85 in prosecution costs, and a £16 victim surcharge.

Magistrates allowed the fine to be deducted from Owen’s benefits.

Crime

Whitland woman’s no-insurance charge discontinued

Published

10 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Court Reporter

A WHITLAND woman accused of aiding another person to drive without insurance has had her case discontinued at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Louise Mary Hook, 52, of Compton House, Llanfallteg, was alleged to have aided and abetted Christopher Rone in using a Fiat Ducato van without insurance on High Street, Narberth, on May 15.

The prosecution claimed that Hook had encouraged or permitted Rone to drive the vehicle when no valid insurance policy was in force.

However, when the case came before magistrates on Tuesday (Nov 12), the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that the matter had been discontinued and no further action would be taken.

Crime

Milford Haven man fined for abusive behaviour on Mount Estate

Published

10 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been given a year-long community order and banned from contacting his former partner after admitting to a week-long campaign of harassment.

Liam Whatling, 30, of Belfrey Close, Hubberston, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Nov 12) charged with harassment without violence, contrary to Section 2 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Between August 5 and August 12 this year, Whatling bombarded a female with numerous messages and attended her address on one occasion.

He pleaded guilty at the first hearing, with the court taking his early plea into account during sentencing.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order requiring Whatling to complete up to 15 days of rehabilitation activity.

A restraining order lasting until November 11, 2026, was also imposed. Under its terms, Whatling must not contact the woman directly or indirectly, except through a solicitor or social services representative when seeking access to his child. He is also prohibited from entering within 100 metres of any address where she lives or posting any content online referring to her.

The case was prosecuted by Sian Vaughan for CPS Wales (South West), with Mike Kelleher representing the defence.