Crime
Neyland man jailed for assault and criminal damage in alcohol-fuelled attack
GRAHAM POTTER, 41, of Picton Road in Neyland, labelled a “nasty bully” by Judge Paul Thomas, has been sentenced to 18 weeks in prison for assault and an additional six weeks for criminal damage following an incident on November 23.
Potter appeared at Swansea Crown Court, facing charges related to an altercation with a woman in Neyland. While he denied the strangulation charge, he admitted assault by beating and causing criminal damage, with these pleas being accepted by the prosecution.
The court heard that the incident unfolded as Potter became verbally abusive towards the victim before turning violent. Although he put his hand under the woman’s chin, causing her lip to bleed, the strangulation charge was not upheld as it did not impact her breathing, and she was able to free herself.
Prosecutor James Hartson detailed the confrontation, explaining that after the initial assault, Potter and the victim engaged in a scuffle, resulting in scratches. The violence escalated as Potter smashed the victim’s television and a chair when she left the living room.
When the police were called, Potter admitted to the incident but claimed the victim was the one who “kicked off.” The victim, in a statement read to the court, expressed her disbelief in Potter’s ability to change his ways, describing the two sides to his personality.
Potter had two previous convictions for battery and one for criminal damage against the same victim, along with two jail sentences for breaching domestic violence protection orders.
In his defence, David Singh acknowledged the incident was fuelled by alcohol and that both parties had consumed alcohol. However, Judge Thomas interjected, criticising Potter for complaining about injuries he sustained during the incident, stating, “A woman fought back – how dare she.”
Judge Thomas, addressing Potter directly, remarked, “You, Mr. Potter, are a nasty bully. You assault women when you get drunk.” He cautioned Potter to control his drinking and temper, warning that continued offences would result in longer prison sentences.
Consequently, Potter was sentenced to 18 weeks for assault, an additional six weeks for criminal damage, and was issued a two-year restraining order. A not guilty verdict was entered on the strangulation charge.
Crime
Arrest made following report of sexual assault in Haverfordwest
DETECTIVES in Haverfordwest are appealing for witnesses following a report of a sexual assault which occurred at approximately 10:00pm-11:30pm on Thursday (May 16) in the vicinity of Dew St, Haverfordwest.
A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
The police have asked that anyone who witnessed the incident or was in the area at the time and may have information that could help officers with enquiries, is asked to contact police.
Police can be contacted either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Quote reference:427 of 16th
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Crime
Four young Pembrokeshire men arrested on suspicion of rape
DETECTIVES looking into a serious allegation of rape and sexual assault that took place in Saundersfoot on Saturday (May 11) have made arrests, The Herald can confirm.
Four males, aged 22, 21, 20 and 19 were arrested on suspicion of rape. They have now been released pending further enquiries.
A police spokesperson told The Pembrokeshire Herald on Thursday (May 16): “Dyfed Powys is investigating an allegation of rape and sexual assault that took place in Saundersfoot on May 11. The victim is being supported by specialist officers.
“Four men, aged 22, 21, 20 and 19 have been arrested on suspicion of rape. All four have been released on conditional bail pending further police enquiries.
Crime
Father must stay out of trouble be jailed, says judge
A FATHER who attacked his then-girlfriend in a violent outburst has been sentenced to a suspended prison term, with the warning that any further trouble will result in jail time.
Christopher Bendall, 33, of Great Eastern Terrace, Neyland, must remain law-abiding for the next 18 months or serve a 12-month prison sentence for two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The incident occurred in the early hours of 6 August 2022, when Bendall returned home after a night out. His then-girlfriend, who had also been out separately, entered his unlocked home at approximately 4.20am. Upon waking Bendall, she questioned him about messages from another woman found on his phone. The confrontation escalated from a verbal dispute to a physical altercation.
Bendall threw a footstool and the victim’s mobile phone at her, both of which missed. He then pushed her to the floor, dragged her by her hair, slapped her face, and dragged her into the hallway. The victim managed to escape by grabbing Bendall by his testicles, causing him to release her grip. She fled the property, taking Bendall’s mobile phone with her.
Following the assault, Bendall called 999, accusing the woman of attacking him. Police initially arrested her but released her after noticing her injuries, which included carpet burns, bruises, and redness. Bendall was then arrested.
The court heard that this was not the first assault. In May, Bendall had thrown his mobile phone at the woman, breaking her finger.
Bendall initially denied the charges but later pleaded guilty to the two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Three other charges, including controlling or coercive behaviour, assault by beating, and strangulation, were dropped, and not guilty verdicts were formally entered for these counts.
In her victim impact statement, the woman revealed that she had been seeing a counsellor and was on anxiety medication following the assaults. She expressed that she still struggled to feel normal and feared going out alone.
Bendall’s defence highlighted that he was a father of three, a successful solar electrician, and previously of clean character. They noted that he was a good father, very involved with his children, and had well-paid employment. It was also stated that he had abstained from alcohol and had no further incidents since August 2022.
Judge Mr Recorder D Elias KC took into account Bendall’s plea, a pre-sentence report, and two character references. He acknowledged the psychological harm caused to the victim and described the injuries from the second assault as ‘nasty.’
Bendall was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was ordered to attend a Building Better Relationships course, undertake ten days of rehabilitation activity, and complete 150 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £1,500 in court costs and a £156 victim surcharge within six months.
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