Crime
Pembroke Dock residents ‘terrified’ as chaos and violence erupts in streets
PEMBROKE DOCK was thrown into chaos on Saturday afternoon (Jun 16) as violence erupted in Pembroke Street, leaving residents terrified and questioning the safety of their community.
Eyewitnesses reported a man waving a samurai sword or machete and two other men attacking an individual, leaving him beaten and wounded on the ground.
The shocking incident drew a swift response from emergency services, with six police cars and two ambulances rushing to the scene. Witnesses said that multiple arrests were made.
Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes, with one clip capturing the man brandishing the sword while another depicted two men assaulting a third, leaving him bloodied and on the pavement. Witnesses identified the assailants as local individuals, further fueling fears about escalating violence within the community.
Natalie Newton, the owner of The Dolphin Hotel, described how one of the men allegedly involved, ran into her establishment seeking refuge. She said: “He came in out of breath, couldn’t even breathe to tell me what was happening. He looked off his face on drugs, so I told him to get out,” Newton recounted. “At that time, I didn’t know what was happening in the street with the guy and the sword. I had a lovely group of ladies enjoying an afternoon of food and drinks when some crackhead walks in off his face! But it’s not the first time! Something needs to be done about the crackheads across the road negatively impacting mine and the Tavern’s business! Two days ago, there were around 12 police officers marching in the street with tools to break down their door at midday! Why aren’t they being sorted out?”
Some customers at The Market Tavern at 15 Pembroke Street said they were ‘locked in’ whist the drama unfolded.
Residents reported that the police arrested at least one male at the scene, though details remain unconfirmed by official sources. Comments from residents indicated a mixture of anger and disbelief. “Absolute fools,” remarked Marie Stacey, while another resident, Sarah Gambold, mused, “Must be something in the water.”
The presence of emergency services sparked further debate among locals. Maria Rigby noted, “Look at the ambulance there for them makes me sick. They’re straight away while others got to wait hours for one.” Shanice Riley echoed this sentiment, criticizing the perceived misuse of resources, “What a waste of resources and taxpayers’ money.”
The incident has left many Pembroke Dock residents feeling unsafe and demanding action. “It’s about time we all did something to protect our loved ones,” urged Michelle Scott, reflecting the community’s call for greater security measures.
Dyfed Powys Police have yet to release an official statement detailing the events or confirming the arrests. The Pembrokeshire Herald has asked for a comment and will publish an update soon as this story develops.
Crime
Police arrest suspects following vehicle interferences in Haverfordwest
HAVERFORDWEST police responded swiftly after reports of multiple vehicle interferences in the Tasker Way area on Sunday night/early Monday morning (Nov 4).
Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPPT) conducted extensive house-to-house enquiries, gathering evidence and reassuring the community. These efforts led to the identification of two suspects.
Both NPPT and Response teams acted promptly, locating and arresting the suspects, who are now in police custody.
Crime
Suspended sentence for Goodwick man who sent sexual messages to young girl
THE FATHER of a young girl sent sexual messages to an individual he believed to be a 12-year-old girl online, Swansea Crown Court heard this week.
An undercover police officer posed as a 12-year-old girl on the website RandoChat, with the decoy’s profile stating they were 18.
James Roberts messaged the decoy on 9 August, stating he was “looking for a naughty girl”.
The decoy promptly informed him that she was 12 years old; however, the defendant continued to send messages referencing sexual acts and self-gratification.
Roberts added the decoy on Snapchat, claiming to be 19 and living in England.
He again sent sexualised messages and, referring to the decoy’s age, said they were “never too young to start sending pictures”.
The defendant also told the decoy that he was having similar sexual conversations with a 14-year-old, Mr Dickens said.
Police attended Roberts’ home in Goodwick on 17 August, and he was arrested. He denied having a mobile phone, claiming he “had sent it off to Samsung to be fixed” but was “extremely vague” when asked for further details. Mr Dickens said no phone was ever recovered by police.
The 28-year-old Roberts pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child. The court heard that he had no previous convictions.
Hannah George, in mitigation, said the defendant showed “some degree of remorse” and that there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.
“In the 13 months since he was interviewed there have been no further offences,” she said.
Ms George said Roberts had suffered “significant” shame and embarrassment as a result of the offences, and it had led to him losing his job.
He had previously been diagnosed with PTSD and suffered “deep periods of depression”, Ms George said.
She added that his contact with his young daughter “has been diminished” following these offences.
“You were in contact online with who you firmly believed to be a 12-year-old girl,” said Judge Paul Thomas KC, addressing Roberts.
“You have a two-year-old daughter. Just think how you would feel if a man in his thirties tried to have that sort of conversation with her in 10 years’ time.”
Roberts was sentenced to 30 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He must complete 35 days of an accredited programme and 25 rehabilitation activity requirement programme days.
He must also register as a sex offender for 10 years and was made the subject of a three-year sexual harm prevention order.
Crime
Pembrokeshire man admits ‘overstepping’ in stalking case
A HAVERFORDWEST man acknowledged he ‘overstepped’ following charges of home burglary and stalking.
Spencer Lepetit, aged 35 and residing in Hawthorn Rise, faced Swansea Crown Court accused of entering a Pembroke property on August 16 with the intent to steal a mobile phone. Additionally, between September 3 and 19, he allegedly trespassed repeatedly on a woman’s property, made multiple phone calls from an unknown number, and loitered outside her home, causing her significant alarm and distress.
Lepetit denied both charges but accepted responsibility for a lesser stalking offence, which was deemed suitable by Prosecutor Thomas Scapens, leading the Crown Prosecution Service to drop the burglary charge.
Lepetit’s defence, Jon Tarrant, described the circumstances as a result of a “toxic relationship,” stating, “He attempted to reconnect but went beyond acceptable limits.”
Judge Huw Rees ordered a pre-sentence report and remanded Lepetit in custody, with sentencing scheduled for November 22.
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