Crime
Teenage girl in court charged with three counts of attempted murder
A 13-YEAR-OLD appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court this morning, in connection to the incident at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman on Wednesday.
She was charged with three counts of attempted murder, and one count of possession of a bladed article in a public place.
No pleas were entered, and she was remanded into a youth detention centre until a future court hearing at Swansea Crown Court.
Criminal proceedings are active in respect of this case, and we ask members of the community not to speculate or comment on the circumstances.
On Thursday (Apr 25), the police confirmed that a teenager had been charged in relation to the incident at Ysgol Dyffryn Amman yesterday.
Police were called to the school at around 11.20am, following reports that three people had been injured.
Two teachers and a pupil were taken to hospital with stab wounds. They received treatment for knife injuries, have all since been discharged.
A CID-led investigation was launched, and there has continued to be a police presence at the school today as we gather evidence to assist our enquiries.
Police also said: “Yesterday evening, our control room received a number of calls reporting concerns over messages being shared on social media, which had references to the incident at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman.
Officers swiftly carried out a warrant at the home of the person believed to be responsible for this content, and a 15-year-old male was arrested.
He also remains in police custody while we investigate these allegations.”
At a press conference outside the school, also on Thursday, Superintendent Ross Evans said: “While this investigation is being run separately to our enquiries into events at the school, our officers are seeking to establish if there was a connection between the alleged offences.
“Again, I would urge people not to speculate, not to share any images or videos relating to either investigation, and to allow us to carry out our enquiries fully.
“If you, or your children, are distressed by these events, please seek support from an appropriate agency.
“Finally, I would once again like to thank our colleagues at the Welsh Ambulance Service and Wales Air Ambulance Service for their swift response to this incident, as well as the NHS staff who treated those who were injured, the charitable organisations who are supporting those affected by this incident, and the vigilant members of the public who reported their concerns to us.”
Ysgol Dyffryn Aman has confirmed that it will re-open to pupils on Monday, 29 April. Carmarthenshire County Council and Ysgol Dyffryn Aman would like to reassure the school community, in anticipation of the school reopening, that a broad range of wellbeing support will continue to be offered to pupils, teachers and staff at the school.
From Monday, 29 April, a dedicated Education and Child Psychology Team from the Council will be available for pupils and staff and will maintain a presence at the school, for the next two weeks, to provide ongoing support and assistance as needed.
Upon the school’s reopening, counselling will be available for pupils at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman to offer support and guidance to students facing difficulties.
The Council’s internal Occupational Health Team, in collaboration with the Education Department, is working to provide comprehensive support for affected staff members. This will entail offering wellbeing support sessions, drop-in sessions, group sessions, and referrals for 1:1 therapeutic support as needed.
Carmarthenshire County Council is grateful to the numerous offers of support from external agencies to provide additional assistance for our students during this time. We are carefully considering how and when to use these services.
Council Leader, Cllr. Darren Price said: “As a County Council, we are doing everything that we can to support the community of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman and we have set out a wellbeing support plan to help the pupils and staff.
“This will be a joint support approach, as we are adopting a collaborative approach to ensure that all individuals affected receive the support they require. This includes coordinating between internal and external resources to provide holistic assistance.”
Crime
Soldier caught drink-driving nearly three times over the limit
A SERVING soldier has admitted driving when he was almost three times over the legal drink-drive limit.
Alfred Kempton, 26, was observed by officers ‘swerving all over the road’ as he drove a white Renault Kangoo at Pelcomb Bridge, Haverfordwest, just after 10:30pm on November 30.
When officers stopped the vehicle, they discovered Kempton’s eyes were glazed and there was a strong smell of alcohol. A roadside breath test proved positive, and subsequent tests at the police station revealed he had 102 mcg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath. The legal limit is 35.
Crown Prosecutor Nia James described the reading as “very high.”
Kempton’s solicitor, David Williams, urged magistrates to refrain from imposing a community order, warning that it would result in Kempton’s dismissal from the army.
“He is one of only four people in his entire squadron with expertise in electronic warfare and signal intelligence,” said Mr Williams, adding that Kempton’s position was supported by two senior army officers who attended court.
Magistrates fined Kempton £1,141, ordered him to pay a £456 court surcharge and £85 costs, and disqualified him from driving for 24 months.
“This is a very high reading, and if it happens again, you will not be so lucky,” said the presiding magistrate. “You are now classified as a high-risk offender.”
Crime
Man jailed for stalking ex-partner with unwanted letters
A MAN who repeatedly contacted his ex-partner, despite being told their relationship was over, has been sentenced for stalking.
John McMichael, 36, pleaded guilty before Haverfordwest magistrates to stalking his ex-partner over a six-month period.
Crown Prosecutor Nia James told the court that McMichael’s relationship with his ex ended in February due to violent behaviour and substance abuse issues.
Despite being told not to contact her, McMichael sent handwritten letters to her from prison between May and November. In a victim impact statement, the woman said: “Knowing that he is out is really frightening me… I just want him to leave me alone.”
McMichael’s solicitor, Jess Hill, argued the letters were not threatening but admitted his actions caused distress.
Magistrates sentenced McMichael to a 24-month Community Order with 30 rehabilitation activity days and 150 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs. A two-year restraining order was imposed, prohibiting him from any direct or indirect contact with his ex-partner.
Crime
Shoplifting spree after job loss lands father of five in court
A FORMER chef who resorted to stealing food and alcohol after losing his job has been sentenced.
Ashley Mardon, of The Inbetween Guest House, Pembroke Dock, admitted to five counts of theft from September to December.
Mardon, a father of five, stole items including alcohol, food, and groceries from stores in Haverfordwest, Pembroke, and Pembroke Dock, with the total value reaching £88.02. His solicitor, Mike Kelleher, said Mardon’s offences were driven by unemployment, homelessness, and alcohol problems.
Magistrates sentenced Mardon to a 24-month Community Order, including 20 rehabilitation activity days, 200 hours of unpaid work, and a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. He must also pay £85 court costs, a £114 surcharge, and compensation for the stolen items.
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