Crime

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

Published

2 months 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

Police appeal following assault outside Haverfordwest store

Published

22 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

22 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.