Crime
Man escapes immediate jail after Swansea bar assault
A SWANSEA man, Rickey Lewis, 33, from Strand Mews, has avoided an immediate prison sentence despite pleading guilty to an assault that left his victim, from Pembrokeshire, with a permanent scar. The attack took place at the Cross Keys Public House in Swansea on July 2 of last year.
Lewis, who has 12 previous convictions, including for affray and domestic assault in 2019, was involved in a confrontation that escalated into violence. CCTV footage revealed Lewis repeatedly attempting to strike the victim, continuing his assault even after an initial blow, until pub staff intervened. Although it remains unclear whether a glass was used, broken glass was found on the floor near the scene.
The victim sustained a cut to the head, resulting in a permanent one-inch scar. Although the bleeding subsided within 15 minutes and the victim did not seek medical treatment, the injury has left lasting psychological effects. The court heard that the victim now suffers from fear of being followed, disturbed sleep, and a loss of appetite, all of which have significantly impacted their daily life.
While the injury was considered relatively minor, the permanence of the scar and the victim’s ongoing psychological trauma placed the case within the lower range of Category 2 offenses.
In mitigation, Lewis’ defence highlighted several factors, including his early guilty plea, which demonstrated his acceptance of responsibility. His defence also argued that Lewis has been addressing his alcohol problems, which he admitted contributed to his “moment of stupidity and madness” on the night of the incident. Since the assault, Lewis has reportedly taken steps to manage both his alcohol intake and his temper.
The court also heard about the detrimental impact the case has had on Lewis’ family. As the primary breadwinner, Lewis faces the risk of eviction should he be unable to work. His relationship with his 15-year-old daughter has also deteriorated due to the legal proceedings, and he expressed a desire to rebuild that bond and become a more responsible father.
Despite the gravity of the offense and Lewis’ criminal record, the court acknowledged his efforts to reform and the significant consequences his imprisonment would have on his family. As a result, Lewis was sentenced to 24 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months.
During this suspension period, Lewis is required to complete 225 hours of unpaid work and attend 20 rehabilitation days, focusing on anger management and alcohol abuse. The court emphasized that the suspended sentence provides Lewis an opportunity to avoid immediate imprisonment and make positive changes in his life. However, any failure to comply with these conditions would result in serious consequences, including the activation of his custodial sentence.
Crime
Police appeal after male hospitalised in Castle Square assault
POLICE are investigating an incident which occurred at about 1.05am, Sunday, September 1.
A 23-year-old man was taken to hospital with head injuries following the incident on Castle Square, Haverfordwest.
A 21-year old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and later released on condition bail pending further police enquiries.
Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Quote reference: 36 of the 1st.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Crime
Carmarthenshire County Council gets tough on littering and environmental offences
CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL reaffirms its dedication to ensuring a clean and safe environment by issuing a number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) and enforcement actions throughout August 2024. These actions address violations of environmental regulations, including littering, fly-tipping, improper waste disposal, and vehicle abandonment.
Littering Offences – £125 FPNs
The Environmental Enforcement Team issued £125 FPNs for various littering offences across the county:
- Morrisons Recycling Facility, Trostre: A female resident of Penlan, Bryn, Llanelli was issued an FPN for leaving a carrier bag containing a plate on the ground.
Morrisons Recycling Facility, Llanelli: A female resident of Heol Gwyr, Llanelli was issued an FPN for abandoning a black bag containing a fan surround at the site.
Burry Port Recycling Facility: A female resident of Heol Gwendraeth, Burry Port was issued an FPN for leaving a cardboard box on the ground.
Morrisons Recycling Facility, Trostre: A female resident of Brynhyfryd was issued an FPN for depositing a bag of glass on the ground.
Tesco Extra, Llanelli: A male resident from Felinfoel was issued an FPN for discarding McDonald’s packaging near the clothing banks.
St Clears Bring Site: A female resident of St Clears was issued an FPN for leaving a cardboard box containing broken glass on the ground.
Morrisons Carmarthen: A female resident of Ponthenry was fined for depositing a carrier bag full of household waste at the recycling facility.
Abandonment of a Vehicle – £200 FPN - Pwll, Llanelli: A male resident of Swansea was fined £200 for abandoning a vehicle in the Pwll area.
Fly-Tipping – £400 FPN - St Clears Bring Site: A male resident of Carmarthen Town was issued a £400 FPN for fly-tipping multiple cardboard boxes, books, and household waste, including a black and blue bag, at the site.
Waste Receptacle Offences – £100 FPNs - Several residents were issued £100 FPNs for failing to comply with waste receptacle regulations.
- Carmarthen (Sycamore Way): A female resident was fined for placing her waste out on the incorrect day.
Ammanford: A resident was issued an FPN for placing waste in the incorrect location.
Llanelli (Burry Street): A female resident was issued an FPN for placing dirty items, including used puppy pads, in blue recycling bags and for incorrect waste collection timing.
Carmarthen (Belvedere Avenue): A female resident was issued an FPN for placing glass and contaminated items in blue recycling bags.
Llanelli (Station Road): A female resident was issued an FPN for placing contaminated waste in blue bags on the wrong day and time.
Llanelli (Stafford Street): Two female residents were issued FPNs for placing dirty items and food waste in blue recycling bags.
Llanelli (Burry Street): Another female resident was issued an FPN for placing textiles and dirty items in blue bags and for incorrect waste collection timing.
Carmarthen (Belvedere Avenue): A resident was issued an FPN for placing black and blue bags out on the wrong day and contaminating blue recycling bags.
Prosecutions
Carmarthenshire County Council successfully prosecuted two individuals for littering offences:
- Water Street, Carmarthen: On 3rd January 2024, Mr. Martin Robert Tucker of Penrhiwllan, Llandysul, was witnessed throwing a cigarette butt from his vehicle. Despite being offered the opportunity to pay a £125 FPN, Mr. Tucker failed to do so. The case was referred to the magistrates, resulting in a £270 fine, £300 in costs, and an £88 victim surcharge.
- Vaughan Street, Llanelli: Mr. Stuart Allen, a Llanelli resident, was seen discarding a cigarette end in January 2024. After failing to pay the £125 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), the case was brought to court. Mr. Allen was then issued a £120 FPN, and the magistrates imposed £200 in court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.
- Enforcement Notices Issued
In August 2024, Carmarthenshire County Council issued:
- 39 Section 46 Notices under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for failure to adhere to waste disposal regulations.
- 12 Section 47 Notices under the same act for offences related to commercial and industrial waste disposal.
- Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation, and Sustainability, said:
“These enforcement actions demonstrate our ongoing commitment to protecting the environment. We urge residents to adhere to waste disposal regulations and to report any offences.”
Residents are encouraged to report fly-tipping or other environmental violations through the Council’s website or by calling 01267 234567.
Crime
Jealous Milford Haven boyfriend jailed for coercive control
A MAN has been sentenced to prison for coercive control after subjecting his partner to a campaign of manipulation and control. Wayne Davies, formerly of Milford Haven, was handed an 18-week prison sentence at Swansea Crown Court after admitting to a series of controlling behaviours.
Davies, 47, who had been living with his partner in Milford Haven, initially denied the charges but changed his plea to guilty on the first day of his trial. The court heard that he had been in custody since his arrest in March, and with time already served, it is likely he will be released imminently.
The case revolved around Davies’ behaviour towards his partner between 1 October 2023 and 3 March 2024. The couple had met on the dating app Tinder, and Davies moved in with the woman within two months, following his eviction from his own accommodation. At first, the relationship appeared to be going well, with no apparent issues.
However, as the relationship progressed, Davies’ behaviour became increasingly controlling. Prosecutor Alycia Carpanini described how he deleted his partner’s social media accounts, including her TikTok and Facebook friends, and accused her of having relationships with her colleagues. He also changed her phone password, carried her phone around with him, and attempted to pressure her into selling her car, which held sentimental value as a gift from her late father.
The court heard how Davies’ actions had a significant impact on the woman’s well-being. In her victim statement, she described feeling “anxious, paranoid and on edge” as a result of his behaviour.
In his defence, barrister Hywel Davies highlighted his client’s vulnerabilities, stating that Davies had been diagnosed with autism and suffered from “numerical and literary deficiencies”. He argued that his time in custody had been particularly difficult, describing prison as “absolutely terrifying” for Davies, who felt vulnerable and believed that other inmates had taken advantage of him.
Mr Davies also noted that his client had lost custody of his two children while in prison, a further consequence of his actions. He urged the court to take into consideration the nearly six months Davies had already spent in custody.
Recorder Aidan Eardley KC, in passing sentence, acknowledged the distress caused by Davies’ actions, stating that his behaviour had caused “serious alarm and distress” to his former partner. Davies was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, followed by a year of post-sentence supervision.
Additionally, a five-year restraining order was imposed, forbidding Davies from contacting the woman or her mother and from approaching their home. Despite the sentence, the time already served means Davies is likely to be released soon.
This case underscores the seriousness with which the courts view coercive control, a form of domestic abuse that often goes unseen but has profound effects on victims.
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