Crime

Four-hour standoff ends in arrest after Gould fires ‘BB-gun’ at cops

Published

2 years ago

February 26, 2024

A TENSE four-hour standoff ensued in Milford Haven, triggered by a 34-year-old man firing a BB gun at officers, Swansea Crown Court heard today.

James Gould’s partner called the police concerned for the defendants safety, after a bout of heavy drinking and diazepam consumption.

Upon police arrival at the residence on St David’s Road, Gould barricaded himself inside. From an upstairs window, he taunted officers, goading them to shoot him.

The situation rapidly escalated into what was described in court as an “effective siege.” Gould positioned himself on an outside window ledge, repeatedly discharging the BB gun toward officers and the police negotiator. Additionally, he gestured threateningly with hand motions mimicking throat-slitting and brandished the imitation firearm.

The incident, unfolding in the early hours of December 3, reached its conclusion with Gould’s apprehension through the use of a Taser, followed by handcuffing and arrest.

During proceedings, Dyfed-Powys Police received commendation for their handling of the situation.

In his defence, James Hartson of Angel Chambers, representing Gould, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “It was only thanks to the police officers’ professionalism and restraint that the force they used at the defendant was not lethal.”

Hartson emphasised the inherent danger of pointing a firearm at police officers during the night and underscored the fortunate outcome of the ordeal, which concluded without injuries.

Gould, with a criminal record comprising four previous convictions for 40 offences, appeared for sentencing via video link from Swansea Prison, where he had been in custody since his last court appearance on January 14.

He faced charges including possessing an imitation firearm, causing significant fear of violence, affray, and two counts of criminal damage, pertaining to the vandalisation of neighbours’ vehicles by Gould hurling objects at them.

Hartson revealed that psychiatric evaluation found no underlying mental disorder contributing to Gould’s actions, attributing his behaviour to alcohol and prescription drug misuse.

“His consumption of alcohol and misuse of prescription medications clearly affected his mood,” Hartson stated, adding that Gould had no memory of the events.

Expressing remorse, Gould penned a letter to the court, conveying his deep regret. While in custody, he endeavoured to address his underlying issues through participation in anger management, stress coping, and proper medication adherence programmes.

Mr. Recorder Clarke, characterising Gould’s conduct as “reckless and unpredictable,” sentenced him to 26 months’ imprisonment for the firearms offence and 12 months for affray, to be served concurrently. No additional penalties were imposed for the criminal damage charges.

Crime

OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters

Published

11 hours 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

11 hours 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

12 hours 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.