Crime

Whitland man jailed for ‘sadistic’ knife attack on partner in Haverfordwest

Published

6 months ago

September 26, 2025

Judge says victim thought she would die during terrifying ordeal at home

A WHITLAND man who held a knife to his partner’s throat and threatened to kill her has been branded “sadistic” by a judge.

Mark Webber, 45, launched the shocking attack at the couple’s home in Haverfordwest on May 31, just weeks into their relationship.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Webber flew into a rage after his partner refused to go out and buy alcohol. He punched her in the face before later kicking her in the forehead while wearing shoes, after taking offence at a remark she made.

He then dragged her by the hair, pressed a kitchen knife to her throat and cut from her ear towards her neck. Calling her a “lying rat and a grass”, he told her she had a choice between “an easy death or a hard death” and claimed he had been paid to kill and rape her.

The violence continued with headbutts and repeated strangulation. He also threatened to use the knife again if she dared to call police.

The victim only managed to raise the alarm after Webber fell asleep. She locked herself in the bathroom, contacted a friend, and police were alerted.

The court was told Webber had 17 previous convictions for 26 offences, including domestic violence in 2008 and 2011.

His barrister, Stuart John, said Webber expressed remorse and wanted to tackle his long-standing drug and alcohol problems while in custody.

Judge Paul Thomas KC said: “You brutally and sadistically attacked a woman who was unfortunate enough to have been involved in a brief relationship with you. She understandably thought she was going to die at your hands. Your conduct, in my view, can only be described as sadistic.”

Webber was jailed for two years and eight months. A life-long restraining order was granted to protect the victim.

Crime

Motorist loses licence after report of drink-driving from Narberth pub

Published

4 hours ago

March 18, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A woman who was reported to police for drink-driving from a Narberth pub has been banned from the roads

A COURT has heard how a motorist was arrested by police officers following a call stating that she was drink-driving from the Ivy Bush in Narberth.

The call was made just after 10pm on February 22.

“The caller stated that Tanya Hanna was drinking-driving from the Ivy Bush in a Mercedes,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

When Hanna, 36, was apprehended by officers at Kiln Park Road, a roadside breath test proved positive while further tests at the police station showed she had 47 mcg of alcohol in her system, the legal limit being 35.

Hanna, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to the drink-driving charge. She was represented in court by Michael Kelleher.

“It wasn’t the most pleasant situation when someone took umbrage with Tanya and phoned the police,” he said. “As a result, she has lost her job.

“She knows she’s let herself and her family down, because without a driving licence, it’ll be very difficult for her to keep in regular contact with them, having to rely on public transport.”

Hanna, of Beach Hotel, Marsh Road, Pendine, was disqualified from driving for 14 months. She was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.

Crime

Driver banned after drink-driving on Cleddau Bridge

Published

4 hours ago

March 18, 2026

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN motorist has been banned from the roads after being caught driving on Cleddau Bridge when he was over the drink-drive limit.

Andrew Evans, 36, was stopped by officers just before 1am on February 25 as he drove his Nissan Qashqai northwards towards Neyland.

After providing a positive roadside breath test, subsequent tests carried out at the police station showed he had 42 mcg of alcohol in his system, the legal limit being 35.

This week Evans, of Great North Road, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates. He was represented in court by solicitor Michael Kelleher.

“He believed he’d allowed enough time for the alcohol to pass through his system but that, unfortunately for him, was a dreadful mistake although his alcohol levels were decreasing all the time,” said Mr Kelleher.

Evans, who has no previous convictions, was disqualified from driving for 13 months. He was fined £461 and ordered to pay a £184 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Teen avoids jail after knife incident in Tenby

Published

4 hours ago

March 18, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

He was found carrying a kitchen knife in Tenby town centre has been handed a suspended sentence

A 19-YEAR-OLD man has narrowly avoided a custodial sentence after being found in possession of a bladed article in Tenby town centre.

Police officers were called to The Glebe in the early hours of April 26, 2025, following a call from a member of the public that a male had been seen carrying an offensive weapon. There they found Teilo Griffiths in possession of a kitchen knife.

“The defendant’s mother contacted the police at around 2am, reporting an ongoing incident with her son,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“He was intoxicated and under the influence of drugs.”

While Mrs Griffiths was on the phone, her son left the home address.

“A young male was then reported to be walking around Tenby town centre in possession of a kitchen knife,” continued Linda Baker. “He wasn’t making threats to anyone but he was under the influence.”

Griffiths, of The Glebe, Tenby, pleaded guilty to being in possession of the knife and was represented in court by Tom Lloyd.

“When he was arrested, he was open and honest straight away, and admitted he couldn’t remember what had happened,” said Mr Lloyd.

“He’d been out with friends, he was over excited, people were buying him drinks, and this wasn’t something he was used to. He went totally over the top and can’t remember what happened.”

Griffiths was sentenced to 18 weeks in custody suspended for 12 months and a 12 month community order during which he must carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work He must also pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 costs. A forfeiture and destruction order was imposed on the knife.