Crime
Milford Haven man who attacked girlfriend back in court again
A Milford Haven man who assaulted his girlfriend during a video call to her sister found himself back in court this week after failing to comply with the terms of his suspended sentence.
Zachariah Roberts-Thomas, 23, of Marble Hall Road, was originally handed a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, in February, following a violent incident in late December. As part of his sentence, Roberts-Thomas was also required to complete the Building Better Relationships programme, 150 hours of unpaid work, and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
However, Roberts-Thomas appeared before Swansea Crown Court again after being accused of breaching his suspended sentence by missing appointments on May 19 and July 7. The court heard that he admitted to missing these appointments, explaining that he was still on a waiting list for the Building Better Relationships programme.
Presiding over the case, Judge Huw Rees warned Roberts-Thomas of the serious consequences of his non-compliance. “You could go to prison for being in breach,” Judge Rees cautioned. “It’s no joke. If you fail to get back on this order, you could go to prison.”
The case was adjourned until September 20, with Judge Rees ordering Roberts-Thomas to complete 30 additional hours of unpaid work and four more rehabilitation activity requirement days before that date. The judge assured the defendant that he would avoid a custodial sentence if he fulfilled these requirements.
The court was previously informed that the assault took place on December 29, when Roberts-Thomas attacked his long-term partner. The victim, visibly distressed, had called her sister at around 7 pm that evening. During the call, Roberts-Thomas could be heard shouting in the background before approaching the victim and punching her in the ribs, hurling a series of vile insults, according to prosecutor Brian Simpson.
When the police arrived at the scene, Roberts-Thomas had already fled, and the victim initially denied that any violence had occurred. However, further messages received by the victim’s sister revealed the defendant’s continued aggression, leading to another police response. Officers found Roberts-Thomas outside the property, heavily intoxicated and shouting that he “just wanted [her] back.”
Defence counsel Dan Griffiths acknowledged his client’s immaturity, stating, “He would be the first to acknowledge he has a lot of growing up to do.”
During the initial sentencing, Recorder Simon Hughes emphasised the need for Roberts-Thomas to receive support, noting, “It’s clear to me you require some assistance. Were you sentenced to an immediate custodial sentence today, you would be released without access to that assistance.”
The outcome of Roberts-Thomas’s compliance with the court’s orders will be determined in September. The community remains vigilant as the justice system addresses this troubling case.
Crime
Swansea Crown Court to deal with Narberth rape case
A 46-YEAR-OLD Haverfordwest man has appeared before a District Judge charged with raping a woman at an undisclosed location in Narberth.
Richard Murray, recently of Hill Street, Haverfordwest is accused of raping the woman on August 25, 2022. He is further charged with sexually assaulting a woman and of causing a female to engage in sexual activity without her consent. Both offences are alleged to have been committed on the same date, August 25.
Murray denied all three charges when he appeared before District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, September 17.
Judge Layton declined jurisdiction in the matter and the case will now be heard at Swansea Crown Court.
Murray was released on conditional bail, the condition being not to have any direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim.
The matter will next be heard at Swansea Crown Court on October 14.
Crime
Pet running loose in Milford Haven was a banned fighting dog
A DOG that was seen running loose on a main road in Milford Haven was found to be an unregistered fighting XL Bully which, according to police experts, had the strength to cause someone ‘substantial injury’.
Officers were called to a property in Milford Haven on March 24 following numerous reports from members of the public that a dog was running loose on the road, causing what the Crown Prosecution described as ‘a hazard’ to drivers. There they found the dog enclosed in a front garden.
This week it’s owner, Megan Pouparrd, 20, of Sunningdale Drive, Hubberston, pleaded guilty to possessing or having custody of a fighting dog.
“It was a typical XL Bully dog in relation to its appearance and size,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.
The dog, which had wandered approximately one mile from its owner’s home, was caught and taken away by officers for further examinations to be carried out to confirm its breed.
A police statement read out to Judge Layton stated that the dog was ‘very restless and curious’.
“He made no attempt to jump on us and was more interested in finding out about his new surroundings,” said the report.
“He was a very relaxed dog, but was also extremely strong, and could easily have knocked someone off their feet.”
A destruction order for the dog was submitted to the court by the police, however following a request by District Judge Mark Layton, this was delayed pending a behaviourist report to be carried out on the animal.
Sentencing was adjourned to October 8.
(Image: File)
Crime
Letterston man in court over ‘silly neighbours’ dispute’
A NEIGHBOURS’ dispute reached the courts this week when Letterston resident Stuart Wing pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to his neighbour’s car.
“It was a silly dispute,” the 59-year-old told a district judge sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.
“We used to be good neighbours, but it was the stupidest of things. I’d put his bin bags back but then he fell out with me, giving me hand signals and calling me a scumbag.”
The incident took place on June 21, 2023 at Spring Gardens, Letterston.
“The victim [Clark Gretton], had left his property and entered his vehicle,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Judge Mark Layton.
“[The victim] said, ‘I’ll be glad to get away from these scumbags’, but the defendant was near and must have heard him, because he picked some gravel up and threw it at the car, causing chip marks.”
Ms Jackson said that the cost of the criminal damage to Mr Gretton’s Nissan Qashqai totaled £660.
After pleading guilty to causing criminal damage, Stuart Wing was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 court surcharge. He was also ordered to pay £660 compensation to Mr Gretton.
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