AT Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, Sarah Lewis-Moane, a 34-year-old resident of Three Meadows, was handed down multiple sentences following a series of offences.

Lewis-Moane was charged with three separate offences, including assault by beating, theft from a person, and common assault. All incidents occurred on the July 11, 2024

The court heard that on the night in question, Lewis-Moane assaulted Maria Smith at Eddie’s Rocks on Quay Street, Haverfordwest. The unprovoked attack led to Lewis-Moane changing her plea to guilty on the July 23. District Judge Layton, presiding over the case, described the assault as of a “serious nature.”

Consequently, Lewis-Moane was sentenced to four weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

The court ordered her to pay £50 in compensation to Smith, taking into account her guilty plea.

Later that same evening, at the Greyhound Hotel on Mariners Square, Lewis-Moane stole a pouch of tobacco valued at £20-£25 from Bethan Bailey.

For this offence, she was ordered to pay £20 in compensation to Bailey.

Following the theft, Lewis-Moane threatened to assault Bailey at the Greyhound Inn, escalating the situation to a charge of common assault under section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988. This offence, coupled with the theft, resulted in an additional four weeks of imprisonment, also suspended for 12 months. Lewis-Moane was required to pay £50 in compensation and £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.

In total, Lewis-Moane faced an eight-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, with the court emphasising the “realistic prospect of rehabilitation” and acknowledging her recent bereavement. Judge Layton noted that the offences were severe enough to warrant custodial sentences, but the suspension was granted based on Lewis-Moane’s commitment to rehabilitation and her assurance of compliance with court orders.

Defence solicitor Tom Lloyd highlighted Lewis-Moane’s challenging personal circumstances, including the recent loss of her mother. The court’s decision to suspend the custodial sentence was partly influenced by the need for the defendant to attend her mother’s funeral, which took place on August 7.

Prosecutor Linda Baker stressed the unprovoked nature of the assaults.