Crime

Man jailed after drunken brawl over Chinese takeaway in West Wales

Published

2 months ago

February 24, 2024

A PEMBROKE DOCK man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison following a violent altercation that erupted over a Chinese takeaway, resulting in the assault of four individuals.

Richard John, 40, from Bush Street, faced charges of strangling a man and committing three acts of battery, which included spitting blood at a woman and a teenage girl, and punching another man in the face. The incident unfolded on the evening of January 2, when John, allegedly intoxicated after consuming an “astonishing” amount of alcohol, estimated at around 28 cans, became involved in a heated dispute with his neighbours outside his Milford Haven address, where he had been bailed for unrelated offences.

The confrontation escalated when John returned indoors, lamenting that he had been left with mere “scraps” from a Chinese takeaway. A 24-year-old man was then attacked by John, who grabbed him by the throat and began to strangle him. The victim managed to break free after headbutting John.

In the chaos that ensued, John spat blood at a woman attempting to de-escalate the situation, and similarly targeted a 16-year-old girl who tried to remove him from the premises. The assault continued when a man, the partner of one of the victims, entered the fray to assist, only to be punched in the mouth by John.

The victims barricaded themselves in the living room, holding the door shut until the arrival of the police.

During his court appearance, John contested the strangulation charge, claiming it was a defensive move against the alleged victim. However, he later admitted guilt to all charges. The court was informed of John’s extensive criminal history, comprising 37 previous convictions for 65 offences.

In mitigation, defence counsel Ian Ibrahim highlighted John’s remorse and recognition of his “disgusting” behaviour on the day of the offence. John, who has undertaken courses to address his alcohol dependency while in custody, expressed regret for his actions.

Recorder Simon Hughes imposed an 18-month jail sentence for the strangulation charge, with concurrent sentences of nine weeks for the punch and six weeks for each spitting offence. Additionally, the court issued a five-year restraining order in favour of the strangulation victim and the teenage girl, offering them protection against John.

Crime

Police appeal following assault outside Haverfordwest store

Published

20 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an assault that happened outside B&M stores, Haverfordwest, at about 6.30pm on Tuesday, April 23.

The suspect is described as a teenage male wearing a balaclava and a cast on his wrist. He is believed to have left the location in a silver car.

The victim did not sustain any injuries.

The police have asked for assistance. Anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to get in touch with PC 1296 Clarke, either by:

| https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline

| [email protected]

| Direct message us on social media

| 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote ref: 24*369339

Crime

Businessman to stand trial for assault and strangulation

Published

20 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST businessman is to stand trial at Swansea Crown Court in September after denying charges of assaulting and strangling a woman

Appearing from custody, Oliver Torkington, 38, of Pembroke Road, appeared at the court for a plea hearing on April 26 where he pleaded not guilty.

Torkington is alleged to have assaulted a woman in St Clears on March 23, causing her actual bodily harm.

He is also accused of strangling her.

Crime

Arrested Pembroke Dock man jailed after hospital escape attempt

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

Ashley Rickard, claimed he was entitled to flee custody at Withybush Hospital, believing he hadn’t committed the alleged offences.

IB a dramatic turn of events at Withybush Hospital, Pembroke Dock resident Ashley Rickard, 26, of Elizabeth Court, made a failed bid for freedom, resulting in a 27-week prison sentence. The incident occurred shortly after Rickard, who was under arrest for a series of alleged crimes, managed to break free from his handcuffs.

Prosecutor Georgia Donohue detailed the events leading up to the escape during the trial. Rickard had been apprehended at his grandmother’s home on December 4, suspected of offences that included burglary, making threats to kill, and criminal damage. Following his arrest, Rickard complained of ingesting a substance, believed to be Valium, which necessitated medical attention at Withybush Hospital.

While at the hospital, despite being handcuffed and flanked by police, Rickard succeeded in freeing one hand and fled as he was escorted through the hospital doors. His flight took him across the car park and into a nearby housing estate, though he was captured the following day hiding at his grandmother’s residence.

Defence barrister Harry Dickens conveyed Rickard’s belief that he had been wrongfully detained, claiming this perception fueled his decision to escape. However, Judge Paul Thomas KC dismissed this justification, stating, “If everyone did that there would be chaos. Anarchy would ensue.”

Despite the dramatic circumstances, Rickard’s escape was described by Mr. Dickens as “not a sophisticated attempt,” noting that Rickard had acted alone and returned to a familiar location.

On the day set for his trial, Rickard pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody, a plea accepted by the prosecution as witnesses for the other charges were not supportive. The court subsequently entered formal not guilty verdicts for the remaining allegations.

The episode has reignited discussions on the security measures in place for handling detainees at medical facilities and the broader implications of individuals taking justice into their own hands.