News
Former RAF Veteran’s terrifying threats and blackmail against partner
IN A SHOCKING case that unfolded at Swansea Crown Court, former Royal Air Force (RAF) veteran Michele Castiglia faced sentencing after a series of harrowing incidents involving threats, blackmail, and violence against his partner.
The court heard that the 37-year-old, residing at Clive Road, Fishguard, pleaded guilty to charges including blackmail, making threats to kill, criminal damage, and threatening to damage property.
The ordeal began on the morning of September 8, when Castiglia engaged in a heated argument with his partner at their Fishguard residence.
The disagreement escalated, leading to Castiglia, in a smug manner, admitting to punching a hole in the wall. Following the verbal altercation, the partner implored him to leave, a request he initially honored.
Later in the day, Castiglia sent a chilling message to his partner, stating, ‘Tell your dad that there better be money in my account by 6 o’clock or I’ll go through you and your family like a f****** train.’ This was accompanied by a barrage of abusive messages, causing escalating fear and distress.
Despite being instructed not to return home, Castiglia arrived just before 10 pm, attempting to force his way into the residence.
The situation intensified as he messaged her, threatening to stab or kill her. Fearing for her life, the victim retreated to the children’s bedroom, locking windows and contacting the police. Neighbors, alarmed by the commotion, pointed out Castiglia’s escape route, leading to his swift arrest.
The court learned that Castiglia had a history of violence, with a previous conviction in 2015 for grabbing the same victim around the neck in a Fishguard bar.
His defence, led by Jon Tarrant, emphasized Castiglia’s remorse, attributing the behavior to mental health issues stemming from his RAF service and intoxication at the time of the offenses.
Tarrant highlighted that the threats were conveyed through messages, sparing the children direct exposure.
Despite the traumatic events, the victim opted against a restraining order, expressing a desire to co-parent their children despite the relationship’s end.
Sentencing Castiglia, Recorder Christian Jowett handed down a two-year and nine-month prison term for the blackmail charge, with a concurrent sentence of two years and four months for making threats to kill. Notably, no separate penalty was imposed for criminal damage or threatening to damage property.
The judge underscored the gravity of the crimes and the need for a stern response to protect the victim and society from such threats and violence.
Crime
Police arrest suspects following vehicle interferences in Haverfordwest
HAVERFORDWEST police responded swiftly after reports of multiple vehicle interferences in the Tasker Way area on Sunday night/early Monday morning (Nov 4).
Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPPT) conducted extensive house-to-house enquiries, gathering evidence and reassuring the community. These efforts led to the identification of two suspects.
Both NPPT and Response teams acted promptly, locating and arresting the suspects, who are now in police custody.
News
Ancient Welsh hymns brought into 21st century with unique collaboration between Lleuwen Steffan and National Eisteddfod
Some of Wales’ long-forgotten hymn tunes are being brought vividly back to life this month, thanks to award-winning singer, songwriter and composer Lleuwen Steffan and her unique collaboration with the National Eisteddfod of Wales.
Performing as ‘Tafod Arian’ (Silver Tongue), the collaboration pays homage to the lost voices of the past, and infuses these timeless melodies with some highly contemporary electronic arrangements.
The project originated in 2012 when Lleuwen was working on a music project at St Fagan’s National History Museum where she came across some long-forgotten recordings of hymns which had been left in the sound archives. None of these hymns could be found in the official hymn books nor the older hymnal editions, possibly as the result of their informal, conversational lyrics, or because they often delved into the world of addiction, mental illness and the darker side of the psyche.
But now these unpublished and unknown hymns will be heard for the first time in over a hundred years when Tabernacl Chapel, Maenclochog, will be one of 50 Welsh chapels to be visited by Tafod Arian.
With translations and insights, the tour breathes new life into archive recordings, ensuring these cherished sacred songs rightfully claim their place in today’s spotlight. Lleuwen masterfully combines electronic and acoustic instrumentation, seamlessly blending the past with the present, and takes the stage alongside a dynamic quintet of international musicians including Sioned Webb and Gethin Elis from Wales, and Nolwenn Korbell and Brieg Guerveno from Brittany.
Despite the hymns’ long-distant past, the music is firmly in the present as Lleuwen uses various instruments to provide angular electronic accompaniment as well as her soulful vocals and guitar. She provides translations and explanations as she proudly puts the archive recordings of the lost |Welsh hymns on centre stage. As a result, these sacred songs are being passed on orally rather than via the hymn book which is precisely how Welsh folk music was conveyed.
The long-forgotten hymns will be heard once again in all their glory at Tabernacle Chapel, Maenclochog on Sunday, November 17 at 6.30pm.
Crime
Suspended sentence for Goodwick man who sent sexual messages to young girl
THE FATHER of a young girl sent sexual messages to an individual he believed to be a 12-year-old girl online, Swansea Crown Court heard this week.
An undercover police officer posed as a 12-year-old girl on the website RandoChat, with the decoy’s profile stating they were 18.
James Roberts messaged the decoy on 9 August, stating he was “looking for a naughty girl”.
The decoy promptly informed him that she was 12 years old; however, the defendant continued to send messages referencing sexual acts and self-gratification.
Roberts added the decoy on Snapchat, claiming to be 19 and living in England.
He again sent sexualised messages and, referring to the decoy’s age, said they were “never too young to start sending pictures”.
The defendant also told the decoy that he was having similar sexual conversations with a 14-year-old, Mr Dickens said.
Police attended Roberts’ home in Goodwick on 17 August, and he was arrested. He denied having a mobile phone, claiming he “had sent it off to Samsung to be fixed” but was “extremely vague” when asked for further details. Mr Dickens said no phone was ever recovered by police.
The 28-year-old Roberts pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child. The court heard that he had no previous convictions.
Hannah George, in mitigation, said the defendant showed “some degree of remorse” and that there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.
“In the 13 months since he was interviewed there have been no further offences,” she said.
Ms George said Roberts had suffered “significant” shame and embarrassment as a result of the offences, and it had led to him losing his job.
He had previously been diagnosed with PTSD and suffered “deep periods of depression”, Ms George said.
She added that his contact with his young daughter “has been diminished” following these offences.
“You were in contact online with who you firmly believed to be a 12-year-old girl,” said Judge Paul Thomas KC, addressing Roberts.
“You have a two-year-old daughter. Just think how you would feel if a man in his thirties tried to have that sort of conversation with her in 10 years’ time.”
Roberts was sentenced to 30 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He must complete 35 days of an accredited programme and 25 rehabilitation activity requirement programme days.
He must also register as a sex offender for 10 years and was made the subject of a three-year sexual harm prevention order.
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