Crime
‘Toxic’ relationship hits meltdown on Valentine’s Day
A TEN-year relationship, described by a solicitor as ‘toxic’, reached meltdown on Valentine’s Day when an argument between a Tenby woman and her partner escalated out of control.
Emily Webster, 31, and her partner Christopher Hatchelt were at a property in Knowling Mead, Tenby, when an argument broke out between them on February 14.
“Emily Webster threw a bag at the victim that hit his hip,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
“Inside the bag was a glass mug and clothing. She then tried to stop him from leaving the property but when he got outside, matters continued to escalate.”
Webster, of Knowling Mead, Tenby, was then seen to throw a plant pot at Mr Hatchelt’s Audi A4 car, which was parked outside the property.
“It hit the front bonnet and [Emily Webster] then ran back, grabbed another plant pot and threw it at the victim,” continued Ms Jackson.
“He placed his arms out to try and stop her, but she then started to kick him. She tried to grab his wing mirror off by grabbing it with both hands and when Mr Hatchelt tried to open the driver’s door to get in, she kicked it shut, to prevent him from doing so.”
Webster then grabbed Mr Hatchelt’s glasses, snapped them in half and threw them to the ground.
Webster, a mother of three, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Hatchelt by beating and causing criminal damage to his car.
She was represented in court by Mr Michael Kelleher who informed magistrates that there was ‘a huge back story’ to the offences committed by Webster on Valentines’ Day.
“This was a very toxic relationship and finally Miss Webster lost it,” he said. “She accepts that.
“Witnesses saw what happened that day, and as they drove past slowly, they could see Emily covered in mud. She looked as if she’d been crying and had been thrown to the floor.”
After considering a comprehensive probation report, magistrates sentenced Webster to a 12 month community order during which she must carry out ten rehabilitation activity requirement days. She was fined £40 and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.
A MAN from St Davids is facing serious allegations of domestic abuse, including physical assault and coercive control, spanning more than two years.
Ryan Bowen, aged 44, of Nun Street, appeared in court accused of controlling and abusive behaviour towards his partner between August 2019 and January 2022.
Bowen is alleged to have physically assaulted the woman by slamming a car door on her leg, punching her in the ribs, and pushing her. The court also heard he verbally abused her, belittled her as a mother, and threatened to kill her.
It is further alleged he controlled her finances, dictated what she wore, where she could sleep, and where she was allowed to work.
Prosecutors also claimed he threatened to take her children away and told her he would kill himself if she ever left him.
Bowen has denied the charges.
Judge Paul Thomas KC asked defence barrister Dyfed Thomas whether his client would consider pleading guilty to any lesser charges. Mr Thomas responded that Bowen was “adamant” the allegations were untrue and would not be changing his plea.
A trial has been listed for December 9. Bowen was granted bail until that date.
POLICE are investigating the theft of a motorbike from the A470 near Storey Arms, close to Brecon.
The Lexmoto LXR, described as blue and silver in colour, was awaiting recovery when it was stolen sometime between 9:00pm on Tuesday (Apr 8) and 11:00am on Wednesday (Apr 9).
Officers are appealing to anyone who was travelling along the A470 during that time and may have seen anything suspicious.
Dash cam footage could be especially helpful to the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via:
| Online form
| 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk
| 101
Quote reference: 25*307219
A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted assaulting a woman following an incident in the town earlier this year.
Kieran Vaughan, aged 37, of Caradoc Place, appeared at Swansea Crown Court charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in connection with an incident on March 8.
While Vaughan denied the more serious charge, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of assault by beating.
Prosecutor Georgia Donohue told the court: “That’s acceptable to the Crown because the complainant has withdrawn her support.”
Judge Geraint Walters adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report. Vaughan will be sentenced on May 15.
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