Court hears harrowing audio recording of 14-year-old being ill-treated by male

Published

1 month ago

October 22, 2024

A COURT has heard a harrowing audio recording of a 14-year-old boy being subjected to unnecessary suffering and ill treatment at the hands of an adult male.

After pinning the child to the ground at the top of a staircase at the child’s home, John Jenkins, 58, could be heard drunkenly screaming and continually undermining the child.

“If you don’t change, I’ll put you in the ground,” shouted Jenkins.

“I’m not putting up with any more of your shit, do you understand?

Who’s the boss? So f*** off!”

Throughout the harrowing incident, the child could be heard crying and repeatedly saying, “Yes, John.”

At one point the child could be heard saying, “Mum, help me!”

This week John Jenkins, 58, of Quoits Millponds, Hundleton, appeared before a District Judge sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court for sentence after pleading guilty to assaulting, ill treating and causing unnecessary suffering to the child.

The incident took place in the early hours of November 26, 2022. Earlier that evening Jenkins, together with the child’s mother, went to a pub at Jameston, leaving her children at home alone.

“The child wanted his mother to come back, so he went to the pub looking for her,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

The couple returned at 2 am, however the defendant became angry when he discovered the child wasn’t in bed.

Jenkins chased him upstairs and when the boy fell over, Jenkins pinned him down, near the top of the stairs, banging the stairs at the side of him.

After being subjected to the cruel and intimidating verbal attack at the hands of John Jenkins, the child went into his bedroom and called the police.

According to his solicitor Tom Lloyd, the defendant’s behaviour was ‘a temporary lapse of judgement’.

But District Judge Mark Layton questioned his mitigation, and requested a victim impact statement from the child.

“What’s the long term impact that this has had [on the child]?” asked Judge Layton.

“This was much more than a brief lapse of judgement. We can’t guess which box this goes into – we need to know the impact it’s had on the victim. We need to know the effect the fear that was clearly being felt by the child has had on him.”

Following Judge Layton’s request, Jenkins’ sentencing was adjourned to October 29 to enable the Crown to obtain further victim impact statements. He was released on unconditional bail.

“This matter is so serious that it may result in a custodial sentence,” commented Judge Layton.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

4 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

4 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!

Community

Milford Haven Business Circle launches litter-free zone initiative

Published

4 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling on the community to join the launch of its new Litter-Free Zone.

In partnership with Keep Wales Tidy Pembrokeshire, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, greener town centre while promoting environmental responsibility and community pride.

The event marks a collective effort to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a litter-free environment and highlights the far-reaching benefits of a cleaner town centre.

The organisation says that a cleaner, more attractive town centre is key to drawing visitors and potential investors.

This initiative is expected to stimulate economic activity, benefiting local businesses and encouraging growth in Milford Haven.

The project not only enhances the town’s appearance but also instils a sense of pride among residents. By improving cleanliness, the initiative aims to encourage more community participation in local events and activities.

Reducing litter has significant environmental benefits, including:

Protecting Wildlife: Preventing harm to animals caused by ingestion or entanglement.
Cleaner Air and Water: Reducing pollution in streets and waterways, fostering healthier ecosystems.
Sustainable Practices: Encouraging recycling and proper waste disposal to cut down on the town’s environmental footprint.
Creating Green Spaces: Supporting the development of habitats, recreational areas, and improved air quality for residents.

The Milford Haven Business Circle believes this initiative will set a strong example for other communities, demonstrating the power of collective action in fostering a sustainable future.

By joining this movement, participants can contribute to making Milford Haven a shining example of environmental care and community cooperation. Let’s work together to transform our town into a cleaner, greener space for all to enjoy.

Stay tuned for event details and updates. Together, we can make a difference!