Crime

Harrowing Christmas Day domestic assault captured on ‘puppy-cam’

Published

1 year ago

January 28, 2025

A COURT has heard harrowing details of a violent domestic assault in Milford Haven that took place on Christmas Day, captured in its entirety on a home “puppy-cam.”

The victim called 999 around 8:00pm after her partner, Kurt Blackband, 51, launched a prolonged and violent attack on her.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard this week that the assault lasted over 11 minutes.

The victim was sitting on the sofa holding a young puppy when Blackband began shouting at her to deposit money into his account.

“Do it now, you f****** selfish c****,” he screamed before throwing a small folding table across the room.

Violent threats and intimidation

As the victim attempted to stand, Blackband was seen clenching his fist, motioning as if to punch her. Crown Prosecutor Nia James described how he escalated the violence by picking up a lamp and smashing it, plunging the room into darkness.

The victim pleaded with him to leave, explaining she had no money, but Blackband punched her twice in the stomach, shouting: “Put the money in my bank.”

He then hurled a large Santa Claus ornament across the room, issuing an ultimatum: “If you want me to leave, put £200 in my bank. You only have one choice.”

Blackband threatened to take the puppy before striking the victim on the leg with a backhand, warning he would give her a “dead leg.”

He also punched her in the arm and pushed her back onto the sofa before grabbing a piece of the Christmas tree, appearing to prepare to throw it at her.

When the victim said she could only afford to give him £50, Blackband told her to pack her bags and leave.

Guilty plea in court

Blackband represented himself in court and was seen wiping away tears as he pleaded guilty to assault by beating.

Magistrates fined him £1,000 and ordered him to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.

He was also sentenced to a 12-month Community Order, which includes ten rehabilitation activity requirement days.

This shocking case highlights the importance of reporting domestic abuse and ensuring justice for victims.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, support is available.

Crime

Hakin man’s appeal delayed again as Crown Court seeks guidance on insurance law

Published

13 minutes ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Judge gives CPS more time to review latest road traffic law guidance before case returns in March

A HAKIN man’s appeal against a conviction for driving without insurance has been delayed after a judge granted prosecutors additional time to review updated legal guidance.

Seventy-six-year-old Niall Taylor, of Haven Drive, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Jan 13) for a mention hearing in his case.

Taylor has accepted the finding that he drove otherwise than in accordance with a licence, but is challenging the separate conviction for using a vehicle without insurance.

The case relates to an incident on January 18, 2023, when he drove a Vauxhall Zafira along Hammond Avenue, Haverfordwest.

The matter has already followed an unusual procedural history. Taylor initially pleaded not guilty in the magistrates’ court but later changed his plea during the original trial. Questions were subsequently raised over whether that plea had been “equivocal”, leading the case to be reopened under Section 142 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 and reheard in full.

Following a trial of the facts, magistrates found him guilty and imposed sentence in December. Taylor has since lodged an appeal focused solely on the insurance offence.

During Tuesday’s hearing, His Honour Judge Walters granted the Crown Prosecution Service 28 days to review Wilkinson’s Road Traffic Offences (32nd Edition), the leading legal reference text used by courts in motoring cases.

Addressing the court, the judge said the matter may still require further consideration, adding: “The court still might want to reconsider the sentence even if the insurance company is right. It does look as if different insurance companies do things in different ways.”

He added: “It is not in fact void, but it is voidable.”

Taylor maintains that a valid insurance policy was in force at the time of driving and argues that, in law, third-party cover cannot simply be cancelled because of an administrative licensing issue.

The appeal is due to return to Swansea Crown Court on March 27, when further legal argument is expected.

Crime

Pembroke Dock woman admits breaching community order

Published

3 hours ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Magistrates revoke sentence after missed appointments

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has admitted breaching the terms of a community order.

Shannon Charge, aged 30, of Pater Court, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

She admitted failing to attend a scheduled probation appointment and a drug dependency appointment.

Magistrates revoked the existing community order and ordered her to pay £60 in court costs.

The court heard the order related to earlier offences, for which she had been made subject to rehabilitation and drug treatment requirements. A further review hearing is listed for March 2.