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.

A DYFED-POWYS POLICE officer has today been found not guilty of sexual assault by penetration following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

DC Sam Garside, based in the Ceredigion division, has been suspended from duties since July 2023 when it was reported that he had committed an offence while off duty in December 2021.

He denied the offence, and a trial has been held this week. A jury has today returned a not guilty verdict.

DCC Ifan Charles said: “This was a serious allegation made against an individual whose job was to safeguard the people of Dyfed-Powys, and as such swift action was taken when the report was made.

“DC Garside was immediately suspended from duties while a full and thorough investigation was carried out, and today’s verdict brings the criminal justice process to a close.

“It should be noted that the force will now consider whether any formal action needs to be taken from a police officer misconduct perspective in accordance with the statutory framework.

“While the outcome of the criminal proceedings will clearly be of direct relevance to this assessment, it is important to point out this is an entirely separate consideration.

“DC Garside will remain suspended from duty whilst this assessment is undertaken and any potential return to work will be dependent on the outcome of that assessment”

A LAMPHEY man has been sentenced for stealing £1,300 in cash and bank cards from passengers’ bags on the Tenby-Pembroke Dock train.

The court heard that on August 11, Luke Brummit, 46, removed two rucksacks from the luggage rack and searched them.

“The defendant took the bags into another carriage, searched them, and removed a purse and wallet before leaving the bags beneath the seat,” Crown Prosecutor Derek Davies told magistrates.

Brummit also admitted stealing £86.06 worth of items, including two legs of lamb and bottles of beer, from Sainsbury’s in Tenby on September 19.

Defence solicitor Tom Lloyd said Brummit has since taken steps to address his behaviour: “He’s doing better than he’s ever done and is working to improve his conduct.”

Magistrates imposed an 18-month community order, including 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a 120-day alcohol monitoring programme. Brummit must pay £1,300 compensation to the victim, £86.06 to Sainsbury’s, a £114 court surcharge, and £85 in costs.