Crime
Jordan Cooney sentenced to over five years in prison

Jordan Cooney, 28, of Dewing Avenue, Manorbier, has been sentenced to more than five years in prison for a brutal robbery that unfolded in Pembroke Dock. Dyfed-Powys Police have released a harrowing image of Cooney, the face of a man who subjected his victim to a relentless onslaught, leaving him battered and terrified.
The incident occurred on the evening of September 26 this year, when Cooney, under the influence of alcohol and cannabis, launched a vicious attack on a considerably older man in his Pembroke Dock flat. The victim, who bore the brunt of up to 30 blows to his face, recounted the horrifying experience in a victim personal statement presented during the trial at Swansea Crown Court last week.
In the chilling testimony, the victim expressed the profound impact of the robbery, stating that his life had been irrevocably altered. He now lives in constant fear, both outside and within the confines of his home. “I have never been hurt so much in my life,” he remarked, detailing the haunting nightmares that now plague his sleep.
The court heard that Cooney, aware that his victim was due to receive benefits at midnight on September 26, orchestrated a premeditated plan to exploit this knowledge. He ruthlessly demanded the victim’s debit card and PIN number during the assault, persistently striking him in the face between each word. Cooney’s motive became evident when, shortly after midnight, he visited a cash point in Pembroke Dock and successfully withdrew £500 from the victim’s account.
Judge Mr Recorder J Powell KC condemned the calculated nature of the crime, describing it as a “deliberate plan” aimed at extracting money once the victim’s benefits had been deposited. The injuries sustained by the victim were deemed “appalling,” and the judge expressed relief that more serious injuries or fractures had not occurred.
Cooney’s crime didn’t end with the initial assault. In a horrifying turn of events, when the victim attempted to escape, Cooney pursued him, dragging him back into the flat by his hair, and subjected him to further physical violence. The police, upon responding to the victim’s property, discovered him with a severely swollen and bloody face, with blood stains marking the brutality of the assault.
Arrested on the afternoon of September 27 in Monkton, Cooney was found in possession of two bags of cocaine worth approximately £100. Initially denying charges of robbery, fraud, and causing actual bodily harm, he later pleaded guilty to the charges at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, November 10.
In court, it was revealed that Cooney had a troubling criminal history, with 16 previous convictions for 39 offenses. Shockingly, he was on bail and under supervision at the time of the robbery and assault. Cooney’s defence cited his remorse and a genuine commitment to addressing his issues, including drug misuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Despite this, Cooney was handed a five-year and three-month prison sentence, with half of the term to be served behind bars and the remainder on licence. The sentencing sends a stern message about the consequences of such heinous acts, as the community grapples with the aftermath of a crime that has left indelible scars on the victim and the town of Pembroke Dock.
Crime
Police investigate alleged assault at Milford Haven property

OFFICERS from Dyfed-Powys Police have been maintaining a presence at a property on Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, as part of an ongoing investigation into an assault.
The Herald understands that the front door of the property has been boarded up with plywood, prompting concern and speculation from local residents.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Officers have been undertaking scene preservation in relation to an investigation of assault.”
No further details have been released at this stage, and it is not yet known whether any arrests have been made.
Residents told The Herald they noticed police activity at the address earlier this week, with officers attending the property and cordoning off the area.
The Herald will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
Crime
Newcastle Emlyn man admits to attempted murder of baby

A MAN from Cwm Cou, Newcastle Emlyn has pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of a baby.
Rhydian Jamieson, aged 28, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Apr 10), where he admitted to trying to kill the infant, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
The offence took place at an address in Y Ferwig, near Cardigan, just before 10:15pm on Wednesday, January 15.
Police responded to reports concerning the welfare of a child, and the baby was taken straight to hospital.
Jamieson was arrested at the scene and later charged.
At an earlier hearing, concerns had been raised about whether he was fit to stand trial. A provisional date had been set for September 1, but this has now been cancelled following his guilty plea.
Judge Paul Thomas KC remanded Jamieson into custody and said he would be sentenced on May 27.
Caroline Rees KC appeared for the prosecution, with John Hipkin KC defending.
Crime
Teen drug dealers admit handgun plot — Mercedes crash youth facing jail

TWO teenagers have now fully admitted being involved in cocaine dealing and conspiring to obtain a handgun — including a youth who crashed a stolen Mercedes-Benz into a house in Milford Haven last year.
Harrison Billing, 18, of Jury Lane, Haverfordwest, and Danhiellen Raji, 18, of no fixed abode, appeared again at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Apr 4) for an adjourned plea and trial preparation hearing.
Billing had already admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine between January 14 and February 13 this year, as well as conspiring to possess a handgun without a firearms certificate. He also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine on February 12, and denied a charge of possessing a knife on the A477 in Pembrokeshire on the same day.
The court heard that the Crown Prosecution Service had now accepted his not guilty plea to the knife charge, and Judge Catherine Richards entered a formal not guilty verdict.
Raji, who had originally denied possession with intent to supply cocaine on February 12, changed his plea to guilty at the hearing. He had already admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and the firearm conspiracy, and had pleaded guilty to possessing a knife on the A477.
Prosecutor Ashanti-Jade Walton confirmed that no trial would be required for Raji or Billing, and that the Crown would proceed to sentencing.
The court was told that pre-sentence reports would be prepared for both defendants. Judge Richards warned Billing that he should expect an immediate custodial sentence. “He’s fully aware of that,” said his barrister, Dyfed Thomas.
Billing is known locally for a dramatic crash on Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, in December 2024, when he ploughed a Mercedes-Benz into a house during a high-speed police pursuit. A large zombie knife was discovered on the road near the scene the following day and was later recovered by officers.
The pair’s co-defendants — Casey Gregory, 28, of Cromwell Heights, Milford Haven, and John Phillips, 36, of Pen Puffin, Steynton — continue to deny charges of possession with intent to supply cocaine and a lesser alternative of simple possession.
Phillips has admitted a separate charge of possessing cannabis.
Gregory and Phillips were re-admitted to bail, with their trial scheduled to begin on August 4. Billing and Raji remain remanded in custody and will be sentenced following the outcome of that trial.
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