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Crime

Drunk digger driver remanded for hurling racial abuse at neighbours

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A MILFORD HAVEN digger driver who hurled racist abuse at his female black neighbours on repeated occasions has been remanded in custody.

Body-worn footage captured by police officers following Ian Thomas’s arrest shows him asking the question, “Am I being done for beating up a black c***?”

Thomas, Hamilton Terrace, was brought before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after being remanded in custody, following a spate of offences committed on May 4 and May 5.

“The victim and the defendant are neighbours who reside in the same block of flats,” said Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson.

“Initially, when the victim first moved in, there were no issues between them, but then he started coming home drunk, shouting, swearing, and banging on her door.”

On May 4 the victim heard Thomas returning home.

“He was clearly intoxicated and appeared to have wet himself,” continued Ms Jackson.

“He started banging on her door and then she heard him shouting ‘Black bastards’.  She knew it was him because she recognised his voice.”

The following day, the victim returned to her home after attending a church service. 

Once again Thomas subjected her to racial abuse.

“She had placed a black bin bag outside her flat and the defendant kicked it, causing it to split, with rubbish being strewn all over the hallway,” said Ms Jackson.

A victim impact statement was read out the court 

“This has left me feeling very scared,” said the victim. 

“I really don’t know what he would do if he had the chance, and since this happened, I haven’t left my flat.  The racist comments really hurt me and I’m really upset by it.”

Ms Jackson said that when police arrived at Thomas’ flat for questioning, he answered the door holding a knife which he was pointing downwards.  As a result, he was arrested.

“When he was taken into custody he told the officers that he had ‘black c***s’ as neighbours and asked why he was being arrested for beating up a black c***,” added Ms Jackson.

She informed magistrates that Thomas has 26 previous convictions for violence issues, public order offences and weapon offences. 

She said that Thomas is also alcohol dependent.

Thomas pleaded guilty to three charges – causing his victim to fear violence; using threatening words and behaviour and racially aggravated words, affray and causing criminal damage to the bin bag.

Sentencing was adjourned until May 21 and Thomas was remanded in custody, despite a request by his solicitor, Michael Kelleher, for him to be released on bail.

“Generally, he gets on fine with the victim,” he said.  “Unpleasant words were said that day, but they were not intentional. 

“He is not a racist but he was clearly under the influence.”

Thomas was remanded in Swansea Prison until his sentencing.

Crime

Man charged with attempted murder after child found in critical condition

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A MAN has been charged after an incident in Cardigan on Wednesday, January 15.

Police were called to an address in Y Ferwig, Cardigan, shortly before 10:15pm following a report of concerns for the welfare of an infant.

A young child was immediately taken to hospital, where they remain in a critical condition.

Rhydian Jamieson, 27, from Cwm Cou, Newcastle Emlyn, has been charged with attempted murder.

Jamieson has been remanded into custody and is set to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Monday (Jan 20).

Investigators have expressed gratitude for the support of the community while enquiries continue.

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Crime

Air ambulance called to Parc Prison as inmate suffers ‘severe medical episode’

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THE TROUBLED HMP Parc prison in Bridgend faced yet another incident today (January 18), with an air ambulance called to respond to a medical emergency involving an inmate suffering from psychosis.

According to the HMP Prisons Justice Group UK, the incident unfolded during a visitation session when the inmate, reportedly diagnosed with psychosis, experienced a severe panic attack that left him struggling to breathe. Despite prior warnings from medical professionals about his condition, it is alleged that neither G4S, the private firm managing Parc, nor Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, acted to ensure the prisoner received the treatment he urgently needed.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and distressing, with children and visitors visibly upset. Reports suggest healthcare staff on-site intervened by administering a “salt shot” to alleviate the inmate’s breathing difficulties, but the situation escalated, leading to the inmate collapsing and requiring emergency evacuation to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for further assessment.

Parc Prison, Bridgend (Pic: Herald)

The inmate’s history reveals a troubling pattern of neglect. After a psychiatric assessment on December 13, 2024, he was diagnosed with psychosis and deemed unfit to plead during a court hearing on December 20. The court ordered his transfer to a mental health facility for treatment and anti-psychotic medication. However, as of today, the transfer had not been carried out, leaving the individual untreated for over three months while on remand.

The HMP Prisons Justice Group claims that G4S initially attempted to attribute today’s episode to drug use, a claim that has since been refuted. “When the salt shot was administered, his breathing improved, which wouldn’t have happened if it was drug-related,” the group stated. They accused G4S of using this defense to divert attention from what they describe as systemic neglect.

Campaigners are now calling for urgent reforms to prevent further incidents at Parc Prison. The facility has been plagued by controversy, with ongoing allegations of corruption, inadequate healthcare, and rising violence. Last year alone, assaults on staff increased by 109%, and the prison recorded 17 deaths within 11 months.

The inmate involved in today’s incident is reportedly undergoing psychological assessment at the Heath Hospital, with calls for his immediate sectioning to secure the treatment he needs. Critics argue that the prison’s failure to act on prior court orders highlights the ongoing crisis at Parc.

Campaigners insist that the incident underscores the urgent need for systemic reform at the privately-run facility.

This latest incident raises questions about the prison’s capacity to manage vulnerable inmates and provides further evidence of the deteriorating conditions at Parc Prison, which continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The Wales Air Ambulance has confirmed attendance.

Both Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and G4S has been asked to comment.

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Crime

Carmarthenshire man sentenced for violent altercation ‘to protect girlfriend’

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A VIOLENT altercation in Carmarthenshire has led to serious charges for William Rees, 24, of St Clears, who appeared at Swansea Crown Court facing charges of affray and grievous bodily harm.

The incident occurred on Tuesday (May 7, 2024) in Nott Square, Carmarthen. Rees was accused of assaulting a woman, causing a skull fracture and a small bleed on the brain. According to his statement, the altercation began as a verbal dispute between the woman and his girlfriend. Rees explained: “I was out in Carmarthen with my girlfriend. We had a few drinks but I was aware of what I was doing. We were heading towards a taxi, but a girl started shouting. There was a verbal incident, and then she became aggressive towards my girlfriend. I had no intention to hurt the girl; I was just protecting my girlfriend.”

CCTV footage captured a brief but violent exchange, and Rees admitted his actions at the scene. He told police: “I like to apologise,” before being taken into custody.

Rees expressed shame after reviewing the footage, particularly over his actions during the incident, but maintained that he did not instigate the violence. He took full responsibility, reflecting that his actions were motivated by a desire to protect his partner.

The court heard that alcohol played a significant role in Rees’s behaviour. He acknowledged that his conduct was out of character and shared that he had since made substantial lifestyle changes. His defence barrister, Mr Wright, stated: “He has now stopped drinking. He had one drink at Christmas and has not drunk since then.”

Rees was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. While condemning the violent actions, His Honour Judge Huw Rees recognised the defendant’s acceptance of responsibility and efforts to turn his life around.

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