Crime

Man smashes doors to chase down mum in Tavernspite incident

Published

3 months ago

June 26, 2024

A 45-YEAR-OLD man, Ivor Poulson, from Tavernspite near Whitland, violently broke through two locked doors with a crowbar to chase down his mother after an argument, before proceeding to destroy a bathroom cabinet in front of her. The dramatic event was recounted at Swansea Crown Court, where Poulson faced charges of affray and criminal damage.

Prosecutor Matthew Murphy revealed that Poulson, who had been living with his mother, had consumed alcohol on the evening of June 2. Following an argument, Poulson threatened his mother with what was described as a wrecking bar.

In a bid to escape, the defendant’s mother retreated to her bedroom and locked the door, subsequently locking herself in the bathroom. Despite her efforts, she could hear Poulson shouting “Open the door” and banging on it, prompting her to call 999.

Murphy detailed how Poulson used the crowbar to smash a hole in the bedroom door, reaching in to unlock it. He repeated the same action with the bathroom door. Once inside, Poulson stood menacingly with a crowbar over each shoulder, questioning his mother’s actions before smashing a cabinet with one of the tools.

Police arrived swiftly and arrested Poulson, who chose to remain silent during the interrogation. “The defendant was reckless as to whether serious injury would be caused to the complainant,” Murphy asserted, highlighting Poulson’s ignorance of what lay behind the doors he was demolishing.

Poulson, with two previous convictions, pleaded guilty to both charges at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court. Judge Geraint Walters, upon reviewing the case, noted, “It’s perfectly plain from everything I have read that this defendant has profound difficulties – some of his own making, some not of his own making.”

The court was informed that Poulson had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which David Singh, in mitigation, suggested was a significant factor leading to the confrontation. Singh described the incident as an “appalling confrontation,” expressing Poulson’s deep regret over his actions towards his mother.

Judge Walters addressed Poulson directly, condemning his behaviour: “You don’t need me to tell you, but this is an appalling piece of behaviour towards your own mother. The reality here is you were going through a mental breakdown at the time.”

Poulson received a two-year community order, including 150 hours of unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and a 120-day alcohol abstinence and monitoring requirement. Judge Walters concluded, “It’s time for you to see if you can continue to salvage your relationship with your mum.”

Crime

‘Sheer luck’ that out-of-control car did not hit mother and baby

Published

6 hours ago

September 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN MILFORD HAVEN a woman and her baby were on the way to the local shop on Saturday (Sept 28) when what was described at the scene as a “drunk driver” veered off the road, mounted the pavement, and struck the telegraph pole just next to them.

The pole, in Milton Crescent was damaged, causing heavy duty trunking to break off and hit the pram, damaging it, but narrowly missing the baby.

It seems Deanna Potter and her baby, Danny, were only saved by the fortunate position of the pole – which took a heavy impact – preventing the large black Audi from ploughing into them.

After the collision, the woman said, the driver “attempted to flee”, but her car was too damaged. She then exited her vehicle and walked away, “seemingly indifferent to the near-fatal accident” she had caused.

Police soon arrested the driver, and are investigating the incident.

Mother and baby are said to be doing fine, but are obviously shaken-up by the ordeal.

The police have been asked to comment. (Images: Facebook)

Crime

Man charged with possession of offensive weapon and assault

Published

1 day ago

September 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A MAN has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and common assault following an incident in the Pembrokeshire village of St Dogmaels.

David Rees, 62, is set to appear in court on 9th October in relation to the incident, which took place on 16th September and left one person with minor injuries.

Locals reported that armed police, dog units, and a police helicopter descended on the scene, creating a significant emergency response in the normally quiet village.

In a police update that evening, it was confirmed that the ‘unusual police presence’ was due to an ‘isolated incident’ which had been ‘safely resolved’. Two police patrol cars remained in the village late into the evening to reassure residents and members of the public.

An update issued by Dyfed-Powys Police on Wednesday, 25th September, confirmed they had responded to reports of an assault resulting in injury to the victim. Following their response, officers arrested and charged a man with possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and common assault in connection with the incident.

Crime

Pembrokeshire due face trial after denying assault charges

Published

2 days ago

September 27, 2024

Court Reporter

PEMBROKESHIRE residents Christopher Lewis, 42, and Jenna Allen, 37, appeared in Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Sept 27) for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The duo, both of Kensington Road, Neyland, have been charged following an incident that allegedly took place on June 25, 2023.

The pair, who were arrested following the alleged assault, have pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. Lewis is accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

The prosecution claims that on the date in question, he assaulted a male, causing actual bodily harm.

Meanwhile, Jenna Allen faces a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, contrary to Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

It is alleged that she unlawfully inflicted grievous bodily harm upon a female during the same incident.

The case was previously heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in August.

During that hearing, both defendants entered not guilty pleas and were subsequently sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial under Section 51(1) & (2)(b) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Both Lewis and Allen were granted unconditional bail and required to attend the Crown Court hearing scheduled for today.

The hearing at Swansea Crown Court lasted approximately 30 minutes. The session, classified as a plea and trial preparation hearing, was an important procedural step in finalising the arrangements for the upcoming trial.

The trial date has been confirmed for Tuesday, 18th March 2024. The court will then hear evidence, including witness statements and medical reports related to the incident. Both defendants are required to attend the trial, where the presented evidence will allow the court to deliberate on the charges against them.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Wales (South West) is handling the case, with Abigail Jackson representing the prosecution. The defence for both defendants is led by Fenn Richards.

As of now, no victim personal statements have been provided, and no pre-sentence report (PSR) has been ordered, pending the outcome of the trial.