Crime

Bully breaks restraining order in violent attack at ex-partner’s home

Published

5 months ago

December 22, 2023

DARRYAN BOALSTRIDGE-EDWARDS, a known violent offender with a history of targeting women, has landed behind bars once again after brazenly breaking into his ex-partner’s residence while she and their two-year-old child were asleep. The disturbing incident unfolded just four months after he was slapped with a five-year restraining order for a previous assault on the same victim.

Boalstridge-Edwards had been the recipient of a stern warning from the courts on July 6, accompanied by a one-year suspended prison sentence, following an attack on his ex-partner in her own home. The judge, at that time, emphasized that there would be no further chances for the offender. However, it appears that this warning fell on deaf ears.

Swansea Crown Court was informed that on the morning of November 23, fueled by alcohol, Boalstridge-Edwards forcibly entered the woman’s residence near Pembroke through patio doors. Witnesses recounted that he was belligerent, shouting, and screaming in a fit of temper. He menacingly made threats against any men the victim might be involved with, all while beating his chest and clenching his fists.

Caitlin Brazel, the prosecutor, highlighted the ongoing trauma experienced by the victim, stating, “The complainant is living in constant fear of what the defendant will do and the lengths he will go to.” Boalstridge-Edwards, 29, residing on Brickhurst Close in Johnston, boasts a troubling criminal record, including convictions for harassment and breaching court orders against multiple women, including the victim in this case.

In his defence, Ian Ibrahim described Boalstridge-Edwards’ actions as “incredibly stupid” and pointed to his client’s remorse, as he reportedly regrets his actions “100 percent.” Ibrahim argued that the break-in was driven by the defendant’s intense desire to see his daughter, emphasizing that Boalstridge-Edwards had not seen her for five weeks.

Highlighting the defendant’s struggle with alcohol, Ibrahim acknowledged that most of Boalstridge-Edwards’ previous convictions were alcohol-fueled.

However, he asserted that the defendant is now committed to sobriety, having distanced himself from drugs and alcohol.

Addressing Boalstridge-Edwards, Judge Huw Rees minced no words, remarking, “This restraining order arose because of a series of convictions when you assaulted her, including by strangulation.” He emphasized the victim’s perpetual fear of the defendant, particularly when he is under the influence.

In response, Judge Rees sentenced Boalstridge-Edwards to two years in jail for breaching the restraining order and an additional six months for violating his previously suspended sentence.

The judge made it clear that the restraining order will remain in force until July 2028.

Crime

Re-elected Crime Commissioner embarks on new term in office

Published

2 hours ago

May 10, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RE-ELECTED Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Dafydd Llywelyn begun his new term in office this week with a series of key meetings aimed at shaping his strategic vision for the region’s policing priorities over the next four years.

The Commissioner’s first official day was Thursday 9^th of May, and saw key discussions taking place, beginning with a meeting with the Chief Constable to gain an update from Dyfed-Powys Police on operational matters, and also to outline his vision and priorities for the new term in Office.

In addition, the Commissioner met with staff from his Office for discussions on the development of a new Police and Crime Plan for Dyfed-Powys for 2025-2029. The Police and Crime Plan will be the strategic blueprint that will represent the Commissioner’s vision and priorities, further reinforcing his dedication to delivering effective and efficient policing services tailored to the needs and expectations of our diverse communities.

In coming weeks, the Commissioner’s Office will launch a public consultation on the new Police and Crime Plan, whereby the public will have an opportunity to have their say on policing and crime matters in their area. Online questionnaires and focus groups will form part of the consultation, to ensure that the Office provides plenty of opportunities for communities to have their say.

Reflecting on his ambitions for the upcoming term, Mr Llywelyn expressed that his focus will be on improving public confidence and trust in policing: “I am honoured to be re-elected as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys for my third successive term.

“As I start this new term in Office, I am committed to build on the achievements to date and address the challenges that lie ahead.

“My vision is clear: to develop safer communities for all through proactive crime prevention and ensuring a justice system that is both fair and efficient.

“I will work in collaboration with the Force and other criminal agency partners to ensure transparency and accountability, to ensure that we can we work collectively to improve public trust and confidence in policing.

“Your safety will continue to be my top priority. I want to ensure that the Dyfed Powys Police area remains one of the safest places to live in Wales and England”.

Crime

Haverfordwest man faces drug charges in Crown Court

Published

1 day ago

May 9, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A 23-YEAR-OLD man from Haverfordwest has been formally charged with multiple drug-related offences, including the possession and intent to supply cocaine, MDMA, and cannabis. Owen Maddocks, residing at Hywel Road, will soon make a court appearance at Swansea Crown Court to respond to the charges.

Maddocks stands accused of possessing cocaine with intent to supply on April 5 and similarly for MDMA on June 15 of the previous year. On the same dates, he also allegedly intended to supply cannabis, leading to additional charges.

Furthermore, the allegations against Maddocks include the possession of criminal property, specifically £4,905 in cash, which was seized on June 15.

After appearing at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on May 3, Maddocks was granted bail. He is scheduled to appear at Swansea Crown Court on May 10, where he will enter his pleas.

Crime

Father jailed for assaulting daughter during work trip

Published

2 days ago

May 8, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A FATHER has been imprisoned after he assaulted his 19-year-old daughter during a business trip in Tenby. Nathan Smith, 41, of Salcot Crescent, Croydon, was staying with his daughter, Shania Smith, at Penally Manor near Christmas.

The incident occurred around 2 pm on Sunday, December 17, when, according to the prosecutor Regan Walters, an altercation broke out between the two. Ms Smith confided in a colleague that she was being annoyed by her father. Mr. Walters stated that Mr. Smith overheard the conversation and summoned his daughter to his room to discuss her comments.

During the confrontation, Ms Smith insisted she was not disrespecting her father, who then physically assaulted her. “The defendant grabbed her by the neck using both hands,” Mr. Walters explained, noting that she could still breathe. The altercation escalated as Mr. Smith pushed his daughter against a wall and dragged her back into the room when she tried to leave.

Colleagues intervened after hearing the commotion, and although Ms Smith attempted to contact the police, she was unable to due to a lack of signal. Authorities arrived approximately four hours later.

In a statement to the court, Ms Smith expressed her disillusionment with her father’s actions, stating, “I felt so let down” and “I just don’t feel safe.”

Mr. Smith, who has a history of seven previous convictions involving 15 offences, admitted to assault occasioning actual bodily harm but denied a charge of strangulation. His plea was accepted by the prosecution.

Defence solicitor James McKenna described the incident as spontaneous and impulsive, saying, “This is a situation that should have never ever occurred. He is appalled by it.”

The court sentenced Mr. Smith to 14 months in prison and issued a three-year restraining order to protect his daughter, underscoring the severity of the familial breach.