Crime
Pembrokeshire due face trial after denying assault charges
PEMBROKESHIRE residents Christopher Lewis, 42, and Jenna Allen, 37, appeared in Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Sept 27) for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The duo, both of Kensington Road, Neyland, have been charged following an incident that allegedly took place on June 25, 2023.
The pair, who were arrested following the alleged assault, have pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. Lewis is accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
The prosecution claims that on the date in question, he assaulted a male, causing actual bodily harm.
Meanwhile, Jenna Allen faces a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, contrary to Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
It is alleged that she unlawfully inflicted grievous bodily harm upon a female during the same incident.
The case was previously heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in August.
During that hearing, both defendants entered not guilty pleas and were subsequently sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial under Section 51(1) & (2)(b) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
Both Lewis and Allen were granted unconditional bail and required to attend the Crown Court hearing scheduled for today.
The hearing at Swansea Crown Court lasted approximately 30 minutes. The session, classified as a plea and trial preparation hearing, was an important procedural step in finalising the arrangements for the upcoming trial.
The trial date has been confirmed for Tuesday, 18th March 2024. The court will then hear evidence, including witness statements and medical reports related to the incident. Both defendants are required to attend the trial, where the presented evidence will allow the court to deliberate on the charges against them.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Wales (South West) is handling the case, with Abigail Jackson representing the prosecution. The defence for both defendants is led by Fenn Richards.
As of now, no victim personal statements have been provided, and no pre-sentence report (PSR) has been ordered, pending the outcome of the trial.
Crime
Police appeal for information after hate incident in Clynderwen
DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating a hate incident in the Clynderwen area after graffiti was sprayed on the home of a victim, causing distress to the occupants.
The incident occurred on Sunday, September 8, at around 12:40am. Despite extensive enquiries, investigating officers are appealing for public assistance in identifying the individual pictured who may hold vital information.
If you have any information that could assist in the investigation, please contact Dyfed-Powys Police through the following channels:
- Online: Submit information
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 101
Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Please quote reference 24*783192 when providing information.
Crime
Woman faces sentencing for possession of fighting dog
HAVERFORDWEST Magistrates’ Court will hear the sentencing of a Milford Haven woman found guilty of possessing a prohibited breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Megan Poupard, aged 21, of Sunningdale Drive, Hubberston, was convicted on September 17, 2024, after pleading guilty to possessing an XL Bully—a breed falling under Section 1 of the legislation. The dog was examined by Dyfed-Powys Police, confirming it met the criteria for a fighting dog as outlined by law.
The case, which occurred on March 24, 2024, in Milford Haven, was adjourned in November to allow for DNA testing to confirm the animal’s breed. Poupard now faces a potential penalty of up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
Sentencing is scheduled for 10:00am on Monday, December 2, 2024. The Dangerous Dogs Act is a contentious piece of legislation aimed at curbing the ownership of breeds deemed dangerous to the public, often sparking debates about enforcement and breed-specific bans.
Updates on the case will follow as the court reaches its decision.
Crime
Swansea woman charged with unlawful wounding after night out gone wrong
A 24-YEAR-OLD woman, Sophie Thomas, of Port Tennant, was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended, at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 29). This follows an incident at Proud Mary’s Pub last year, in which a woman sustained a 2cm gash to her forehead as a result of Thomas’s actions.
On November 3, 2023, Thomas and her sister entered the pub’s toilets, where the complainant’s friend accidentally spilled a drink over Thomas. Prosecutor Ian Wright told the court: “Miss Thomas threw a drink over the complainant’s friend, and the complainant then felt a sharp pain in her forehead as Miss Thomas threw a glass at her head.”
In a victim impact statement, the complainant said: “I found it hard to process that someone could have assaulted me in that manner. I have become conscious of my appearance and am still struggling with ongoing anxiety.”
Defence solicitor Paul Williams argued: “In November 2023, she behaved in a moment of madness that night—completely out of character and plainly in a fit of temper. She is shocked that her behaviour has caused injury to another person. Moreover, she has a nine-week-old son and is a new mother.”
Upon sentencing, Judge Harris said: “Instead of letting it go when the complainant’s friend spilled a drink over you, you reacted in the most aggressive way. You and your sister approached this group, shouting threats. You threw your drink over the group and then threw the cup at the complainant, striking her on the forehead. She sustained a 2cm-long gash to her forehead. Your actions were thoroughly reckless. The real driving force behind your behaviour was the excessive alcohol you consumed that night.”
Judge Harris sentenced Sophie Thomas to a six-month suspended sentence, alongside 150 hours of community service and a financial penalty of £1,000.
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