Crime
Convicted shoplifter given final chance by magistrates
A CONVICTED shoplifter who refused to attend probation appointments following a community order has been given one final chance by magistrates.
Scott Cowdrey, 30, appeared beforeHaverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday morning via a video link from Swansea prison, after being remanded in custody following his arrest by officers earlier in the week,
Probation officer Julie Norman informed the court that Cowdrey had failed to attend an appointment at the probation office as well as an additional appointment to carry out unpaid work.
“The community order was imposed in December 2023 and will last for 12 months for an offence of shoplifting,,” explained probation officer Julie Norman. “But on both occasions he failed to attend.”
Meanwhile his solicitor, Tom Lloyd, said his client is eager to resume his appointments with the probation service
“If he’s given another opportunity, he will attend,” he said. “He hasn’t been helping probation, but he understands that he’s very lucky to have another opportunity. Probation are still prepared to work with him and they haven’t given up on him. As a result, he’s prepared to work with them.”
Magistrates agreed to allow the community order to continue but have also ordered him to carry out ten rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was ordered to pay £60 costs.
“I urge you strongly to engage with the probation service, because they can help you,” commented the presiding magistrates when imposing sentence.
Crime
Police appeal following assault outside Haverfordwest store
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
| Direct message us on social media
| 101
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Crime
Businessman to stand trial for assault and strangulation
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
- 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.
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