A COURT has heard how a neighbour pushed her way into the next door property before assaulting the person who lived there and throwing items of her furniture out into the street.

As all this was going on, the victim’s little dog was seen cowering in the background.

This week video footage was shown to District Judge Mark Layton, sitting in Haverfordwest magistrates court, of Sorrel Arnold pushing her way into a property in Bridge Street, Llanychaer on the afternoon of August 7,

Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson explained the incident arose as a result of an ongoing issue concerning a boundary fence.

“The defendant forced her way into the property, grabbed Linda Manley and pushed her to the stomach,” said Ms Jackson.

A victim statement was read out to the court in which Ms Manley mentioned the ‘repeated harassment, intimidation and serious physical abuse’ which is being inflicted on her by Sorrel Arnold.

“I bought my cottage as I wanted to enjoy a peaceful existence,” she said.  “But I was quickly made aware of the aggressive behaviour of my neighbour.  I’m enduring daily harassment from [Sorrel Arnold], with her anti-social behaviour and the damage she’s causing to my property and I’ve become fearful of her.”

Ms Manley went on to describe the events on the afternoon of August 7.

“She forced her way in, attacking me and pushing me to one side,” she said.  “This was in my own home.  I kept telling her to leave me alone, but she kept saying she would do as she pleased.  She pushed her long fingernails into my wrist and threw my mobile phone outside and hurled it into the road, as well as a wooden stool that my children had given me.

“I ran out in fear, shouting for help. I had to leave my own home, leaving her inside with my small dog.”

When Arnold eventually left the property, she lifted the flowers out of Ms Manley’s window box and emptied them onto the road.

“I believe her to be mentally unstable,” concluded Ms Manley.  “I now live in fear each day, not knowing what she’s going to do next.”

Arnold pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to Linda Manley’s property and of assaulting Ms Manley by beating.  She was legally unrepresented in court.

After considering a lengthy probation report, Judge Layton sentenced Arnold to a 12 month community order during which she must carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work.

She was ordered to pay a total of £929 compensation to Ms Manley, covering the cost of her iPhone and the damage to her property.  She must also pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.  The Judge imposed a restraining order which will run indefinitely, preventing her from having any contact with the victim.

“The person you assaulted was in her own home, which is somewhere everyone should feel safe,” he said.  “If you do anything like this again, custody is going to be the next step.”

A 19-YEAR OLD male from west Wales appeared before Winchester Crown Court today (Thursday, September 19, 2024) after pleading guilty to terrorism offences and an assault that was motivated by and demonstrating hostility towards the victim based on her transgender identity.

Alex Hutton, from Swansea, who has previously been convicted of offences under the Terrorism Act was arrested in November last year after South Wales Police received a report from a member of the public stating they had viewed a video on Hutton’s Instagram in which he claims to have kicked an unidentified person in the head. The video also contained far right imagery. 

Hutton has been sentenced to ten years and four months in prison.

Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Williams, Head of Investigations at Counter Terrorism Policing Wales, said: “We welcome the outcome of this case. Alex Hutton, motivated by hate, engaged in a horrendous and unprovoked attack on a defenceless young girl who was minding her own business one afternoon in a Swansea park in May 2023.

“There is no doubt that the attack will have lasting effects on this young person and I really hope today’s outcome provides her with some comfort.

“Furthermore, Hutton demonstrated a clear intention to spread his hatred across the internet encouraging acts of terrorism. Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing Wales uncovered his actions during a detailed investigation, which then led us to the assault that took place earlier in the year.

“I hope he now uses the time in custody to reflect on his actions, with a view to leading a far more productive life upon his eventual release.”

Bethan David, Head of Counter Terrorism Division at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Alex Hutton is not simply a fantasist that held extreme views, he is a dangerous young man.

“His unprovoked attack was driven by hate and he poses a substantial risk to other groups and society as a whole.

“He celebrated terrorist acts of white supremacy and encouraged his friends and associates on various social media and messaging platforms to join him in his extreme and disturbing views.

“The CPS will always prosecute those who encourage acts of terrorism and hate to protect the public.”

Chief Inspector Lindsey Sweeney from South Wales Police said: “We are delighted with the outcome of this investigation, a case which involved a senseless, violent Hate Crime. We want to reassure the community that this behaviour will never be tolerated in our area, and the perpetrators will be swiftly identified, arrested and duly sent to prison.

“Here in Swansea, we have a great multicultural city which has been demonstrated by a series of fantastic events involving the whole community in recent weeks and months. At South Wales Police, we work every day to ensure that the city is a safe and welcoming place for people of all backgrounds.”

Anyone who sees or hears something that could be terrorist-related should act on their instincts and call the police in confidence on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999. Visit gov.uk/ACT for more information, including how to report extremist or terrorist content that is online.

BRUCE Nankervis, of Flat 3 Farmers Arms, Whitland, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court facing charges of fraud by false representation. The court heard that Nankervis committed the offences in April and May 2023 by accessing the bank account of Angela Chatfield, intending to cause her loss.

On 24th April 2023, 25th April 2023, and 2nd May 2023, he dishonestly accessed Chatfield’s account without her knowledge or permission, taking advantage of his position of trust. Nankervis pleaded guilty to the charges on 28th August 2024.

The magistrates sentenced Nankervis to a suspended custodial period of 24 weeks, with a supervision period of 12 months, citing his flagrant disregard for people and their property and the fact that the offences were committed against a vulnerable person. The sentence was suspended to allow for his rehabilitation, maintain his recently acquired home, and enable him to reconnect with his daughter. He was also ordered to comply with rehabilitation activity requirements for up to 15 days and perform 50 hours of unpaid work within 12 months.

Additionally, Nankervis was ordered to pay £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service, a £154 surcharge, and £1,484 in compensation to Angela Chatfield. Payments are to be made in monthly instalments of £40 starting from 16th October 2024.