Crime

Jordan Cooney sentenced to over five years in prison

Published

3 years ago

November 15, 2023

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

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

7 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

7 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.