Crime

Man sentenced for disturbing domestic abuse against his mother

Published

2 years ago

July 19, 2024

IN a harrowing case heard at Swansea Crown Court, Silviu Grigore, 35, has been sentenced for a series of disturbing offences against his 66-year-old mother, including threats to kill, assault, and extreme inappropriate behaviour.

The court heard that Grigore, who is unemployed, had made his mother’s life unbearable, subjecting her to relentless verbal abuse, demands for money, and physical threats. This sustained pattern of abuse culminated in an incident on May 17th, where Grigore’s actions escalated to a terrifying degree.

Grigore, originally from Romania, moved to the UK with his mother in 2021, settling in Llanybydder. Despite their shared history, his behaviour towards her became increasingly hostile. The court was told that Grigore frequently shouted and swore at his mother, calling her derogatory names, spitting at her, and blaming her for his unemployment.

One particularly shocking aspect of the case was revealed when it was stated that Grigore had exposed himself to his mother on multiple occasions. On one such occasion, he inserted a plastic bottle into his rectum in her presence, a deeply distressing experience for the victim.

The events of May 17th began when Grigore’s mother returned from work and went to bed, only for Grigore to burst into her room, making accusations and demanding money for alcohol. Despite her attempts to escape, the abuse continued later that evening after they bought a pizza together. Grigore’s behaviour became increasingly erratic and aggressive after consuming beer.

The court heard that he shouted, screamed, and spat at his mother, making repeated threats to kill her. In fear for her life, she sought refuge in a garden shed but was eventually persuaded to come back inside. Grigore then physically assaulted her, grabbing her clothing and shaking her while continuing his threats.

Terrified, his mother fled to a nearby supermarket and contacted the police. Although Grigore initially denied the offences, he changed his plea to guilty when the case reached the crown court.

During the sentencing, the court heard of the profound impact on the victim. She described feeling low, frightened, and unable to find peace, suffering from loss of sleep, stress, and isolation from friends and family.

In his defence, it was noted that Grigore had faced significant challenges in his early life, including the loss of his father at a young age, which forced him into an adult role prematurely. His defence argued that his emotional and educational development had been stunted as a result. Additionally, Grigore’s actions were attributed to a ‘clear lapse’ in his mental health, exacerbated by alcohol abuse, for which he expressed remorse.

Grigore’s criminal record includes eight previous convictions for 12 offences, including battery, and he was under a court order at the time of the May 17th offences.

Judge Mr Recorder G Bull KC condemned the aggravated nature of the offences, noting their occurrence in a domestic setting, the history of abuse, and the breach of a community order. Grigore was sentenced to 15 months in prison for the threats to kill, with a concurrent four-month sentence for the assault. He will serve half of this time in prison and the remainder on licence.

Additionally, a five-year restraining order was imposed, prohibiting Grigore from contacting his mother in any manner.

Crime

Port and Crown Estate join forces to tackle marine fly-tipping in Castle Pill

Published

16 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Five derelict vessels set for removal as pilot project targets growing safety and environmental risks

A JOINT operation has been launched to tackle marine fly-tipping and the growing problem of derelict vessels in the Milford Haven Waterway.

The Port of Milford Haven and The Crown Estate have teamed up for a pilot project targeting Castle Pill, a tidal inlet connected directly to the main port channel, where abandoned boats and illegally dumped waste have become an increasing concern.

Officials say the presence of derelict and poorly managed vessels poses serious risks not only to the environment but also to maritime safety and port operations, with fears that unsecured boats could break free and drift into the busy navigational channel.

The project will involve monitoring, enforcement, and removal work, alongside preventative measures aimed at stopping further fly-tipping.

At least five derelict vessels are scheduled to be removed from Castle Pill. The Port has warned that the boats are at immediate risk of breaking loose during spring tides, potentially causing disruption and danger if they enter the main channel.

Brian Macfarlane, Harbour Patrol Officer at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Derelict vessels are a serious and unpredictable safety and environmental risk.

“Unlit and poorly maintained boats can break free, sink, or drift into navigational channels with little warning, endangering crews, disrupting port operations, and threatening the environmentally protected waters of the Milford Haven Waterway.”

Ryan Pratt, Coastal and Leisure Portfolio Manager at The Crown Estate, said the partnership was an important step in safeguarding the coastline.

He said: “Caring for our marine and coastal environment is vital so future generations can continue to benefit.

“This partnership provides a practical, effective response to fly-tipping and abandoned vessels, helping to protect sensitive habitats and the people who depend on safe, reliable waterways.”

The pilot scheme forms part of a wider effort to improve environmental protection, prevent pollution, and ensure the safe management of marine assets across the Milford Haven Waterway.

Crime

Teenager banned from roads after being caught six times over drug-drive limit

Published

2 days ago

May 13, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A DOCK teenager has lost his licence after driving his vehicle on the Cleddau Bridge when he was six times over the legal drug-drive limit.

Gethin Moseley, 19, was stopped by officers carrying out random traffic checks on the bridge on January 24. Smelling cannabis emanating from his Mazda, a roadside drugs swipe was carried out which proved positive Subsequent blood tests showed that Moseley had 14 mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system, the legal limit being 2.

Moseley, of Milton Terrace, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to drug-driving when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week. He was represented in court by solicitor Jess Hill who informed the Bench that the defendant only uses cannabis recreationally or socially. He has no previous convictions.

Moseley was fined £249 and ordered to pay a £100 court surcharge and £85 costs. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Crime

Drunk motorist arrested at Pembrokeshire petrol station

Published

2 days ago

May 13, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A Johnston motorist has appeared before magistrates after being caught driving when he was almost twice the legal drink-drive limit.

Police received a call at around 11am on April 23 from a member of the public concerned that local resident Martin Phelps, 55, was driving after consuming alcohol.

“He was at the petrol station and the member of the public was concerned that he was drunk,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“When they arrived, they could see he was unsteady on his feet and had trouble getting into his parked vehicle.”

When spoken to by the officers, Phelps admitted drinking alcohol earlier that morning. Subsequent breathalyser tests carried out at the police station, showed that Phelps had 68 mcg of alcohol in his system, the legal limit being 35.

Phelps, of Langford Road, Johnston, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and was represented in court by solicitor Jess Hill.

“He’s had a troublesome relationship with alcohol which has increased over the years,” she told the court.

“He’s engaged with the Dyfed Drugs and Alcohol Advisory Service and Alcoholics Anonymous over the years, and this incident has been a wake up call for him.”

Phelps was disqualified from driving for 17 months and fined £120. He must also pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge. He was disqualified form driving for 17 months.