Crime

Prosecutors accept manslaughter plea from former Haverfordwest resident

Published

2 years ago

January 23, 2024

VALDO CALOCANE a university graduate who formerly lived in Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility due to mental illness, in the harrowing Nottingham stabbings case. Known also as Adam Mendes, Calocane admitted to the killing of three and the attempted murder of three others during a spree of violence on 13 June last year.

Details of Calocane’s early life in Haverfordwest and his academic prowess came to light following the incident. He completed a degree in mechanical engineering and resided near Ilkeston Road in Nottingham, close to where the tragic events unfolded.

The first attack, as revealed in Nottingham Crown Court this week, was on Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber. Both 19-year-old University of Nottingham students were fatally stabbed by Calocane in the early hours of a Tuesday as they were walking home. Prosecutor Karim Khalil KC described the attacks as “deliberate and merciless,” detailing how O’Malley-Kumar bravely fought to defend Webber before both were overcome.

Following these attacks, Calocane called his brother, ominously stating, “It’s already done,” and advised his family to leave the country. His violent spree continued with an attempted break-in at Seely Hirst House, a hostel for vulnerable men, and a brutal assault on school caretaker Ian Coates, leaving him critically injured.

Calocane’s rampage escalated as he stole Coates’s van and drove into the city center, hitting several pedestrians. Among the severely injured was Wayne Birkett, who suffered a fractured skull, and pedestrians Sharon Miller and Marcin Gawronski, who narrowly survived the collision.

In the courtroom, Calocane, dressed in a black suit jacket, light-colored shirt, and glasses, remained impassive. The court was filled with grieving family members and friends of the victims, where emotional sobs were heard as the prosecution detailed the attacks.

CCTV footage, not shown in court, captured Calocane’s movements before the attacks, adding to the chilling narrative presented by the prosecution.

The court also learned of Calocane’s mental health history. A native of Guinea-Bissau, he had been under mental health care since relocating to the UK with his family in 2007. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, he had a history of concealing his psychosis and refusing medication. Incidents in 2020 and 2021, including a confrontation with a police officer and unauthorised entry into apartments, highlighted his deteriorating mental state.

The case, which has shocked and saddened the community, continues to unfold as the court proceeds with the sentencing.

Crime

OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters

Published

13 minutes ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.

Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.

The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.

His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.

Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.

Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.

Crime

Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls

Published

20 minutes ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.

Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.

The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.

She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.

As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.

Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.

She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.

Crime

Man sent to Crown Court over heroin supply and £5,500 cash

Published

24 minutes ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A MAN with no fixed address has been remanded in custody accused of possessing heroin with intent to supply and holding thousands of pounds in suspected criminal cash.

Kieren Jones, aged 28, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9).

He is charged with possessing diamorphine, a Class A drug, with intent to supply it to two unknown persons in Carmarthen on Friday (Feb 7), contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Jones also faces a further allegation under the Proceeds of Crime Act that he acquired, used or possessed criminal property, namely £5,500 in cash, on the same date.

No pleas were entered at the hearing.

Because of the seriousness of the offences, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to the Crown Court.

Bail was refused on the grounds that Jones was likely to offend, interfere with witnesses and fail to surrender to custody.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Swansea Crown Court, The Law Courts, St Helens Road, Swansea, for a plea and trial preparation hearing at 9:00am on Friday, March 13.

The custody time limit expires on August 10.