Crime

Man jailed after violent attack on ex-partner

Published

3 months ago

March 9, 2026

A MAN has been jailed for 18 months after breaking into his former partner’s home, spitting at her and throwing her onto broken glass.

Paul Gurney, aged 33, formerly of Merlin’s Bridge but now of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two offences of criminal damage.

The court heard that Gurney and the victim had been in a volatile relationship which ended shortly before the offences.

On October 1 last year, Gurney smashed a window in the door of the woman’s home and forced his way inside. Once in the property he grabbed her, spat in her face and threw her to the ground.

She fell onto broken glass from the smashed window and suffered cuts to her knees.

Days later, on October 6, Gurney returned to the victim’s home in Haverfordwest uninvited. The court heard he grabbed her by the throat and pinned her against a wall before punching the wall beside her head twice, causing damage to the property.

The court was told that Gurney has a lengthy criminal record, with 42 previous convictions from 30 court appearances.

At the time of the offences he was already subject to two suspended prison sentences — one of ten weeks imposed on October 7, 2024 for sending malicious communications, and another of 12 weeks imposed on October 28, 2024 for three shoplifting offences.

Defending, Ryan Bowen said Gurney had experienced a difficult upbringing but accepted that a custodial sentence was inevitable.

He told the court that the defendant had used his time in custody productively, completing courses in emotional management and addressing problems with drugs and alcohol.

Recorder David Harris told Gurney: “It’s clear you were in a rage.

“You were out of control. You were violent towards her. You were aggressive towards her.”

Gurney was sentenced to 18 months in prison. The sentence included the activation of two months from his previously suspended sentences.

The court also imposed a five-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

23 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

23 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.