Michael Carruthers was described as “shaking and shivering” at Parc Prison before court appearance was adjourned

CONCERN was raised for a Pembroke Dock prisoner after he was unable to appear before magistrates by video link from Parc Prison.

Michael Carruthers, 34, was due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning charged with assaulting a police officer by beating.

The alleged offence is said to have taken place in Haverfordwest on April 24.

But prison staff told the court Carruthers was not in a fit state to appear by live link from the Bridgend prison.

“After being taken out from his cell, he sat shaking and shivering on the floor and was holding his head in his hands,” a prison officer told the court.

“His head isn’t really in it.”

When asked whether Carruthers had been seen by a prison medic, prison staff confirmed he had not.

Defending, solicitor Tom Lloyd said Carruthers’ behaviour was consistent with his medical history.

“He’s appeared before this court many times before, but he’s severely autistic and has PTSD,” said Mr Lloyd.

“He has severe issues. When the prison officers described the way in which he is today, it’s clear that today came as a particular shock to him, as the first he learned of today’s court appearance was this morning.”

Mr Lloyd asked for the case to be adjourned so he could speak to Carruthers and prepare him for his next appearance.

Magistrates agreed, and the case was adjourned until July 14.

The court’s legal adviser stressed the importance of Carruthers attending the next hearing.

“People can’t hide by being in prison,” she said.

“If he’s deliberately refusing to come to court, then he must be physically brought here by the prison staff.”

Darren Claypole spared immediate jail after victim said he thought he was going to die

A MAN with cerebral palsy told a court he thought he was going to die after he was intentionally strangled by a 52-year-old man he had allowed to stay at his home.

Reece Moulder said he remains “genuinely scared” of Darren Claypole following the attack, which left him temporarily unable to breathe.

In a victim personal statement read to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Mr Moulder described his fear during the incident.

“I’m genuinely scared of him,” he said.

“I know that when he was previously in prison he tied up a cellmate, so what he did to me terrified me.

“I was very concerned about what he’s capable of doing and I genuinely thought I was going to die.”

The court heard that Claypole, 52, who is of no fixed abode, had been allowed to stay at the property with Mr Moulder and several other flatmates because he was homeless.

But on March 2, after Claypole returned to the address, an argument broke out over food.

Crown prosecutor Sian Vaughan said Claypole became aggressive towards those inside the property.

“The defendant got aggressive and began screaming and shouting at them, and called Mr Moulder a rat,” she said.

“He then put his hands aggressively around Mr Moulder’s throat, placing his thumbs on his airways so hard he was unable to breathe.

“The victim was very concerned about what the defendant was capable of doing and thought he was going to die.”

The Crown added that Mr Moulder suffers from cerebral palsy.

Following his arrest, Claypole directed further aggression towards police officers, calling them offensive names.

“When he was put in custody he kicked and head-butted the door of the holding cell and threatened the officer, saying he was going to bite his nose off,” said Ms Vaughan.

“He then started kicking his legs out at the desk and began screaming and spitting at one of the officers, with the spit landing on the top of his head and in his hair.”

Claypole admitted intentionally strangling Reece Moulder, assaulting an officer in the execution of his duty, and assaulting another individual by beating.

Defending, solicitor Molly Turner said Claypole was remorseful for his actions and had been struggling with homelessness.

“He’s moved around considerably, largely for his own safety, and following his last prison release he’s been doing exceptionally well,” she said.

“He’s currently living in a tent but is considered a gold band priority to be re-housed, and is hopeful he’ll have a place before the autumn.”

Ms Turner said Claypole was willing to engage with the probation service and any other support agencies available to him.

After considering a detailed probation report, magistrates sentenced Claypole to nine months in custody, suspended for two years.

He must also complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement.

Claypole was ordered to pay a total of £1,622 in compensation to his three victims and court costs.

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been jailed for 22 years for the repeated rape and sexual abuse of a child over a number of years.

Damien Jones, 40, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, July 6, after being convicted following a trial earlier this year.

Jones was found guilty by a jury on May 6 of 16 sexual offences against one victim, who was a child at the time.

The offences took place between 2013 and 2021.

He was convicted of:

• Four counts of rape of a girl under 13
• Two counts of sexual touching of a girl under 13
• Three counts of sexual assault by penetration of a girl under 13
• Four counts of inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity without penetration
• Three counts of inciting a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity with penetration

In addition to the 22-year prison sentence, Jones was made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order in respect of the victim.

Victim praised for “incredible courage”

Detective Constable Leanne Morris, of South Powys CID, praised the bravery of the victim in coming forward and giving evidence during the trial.

DC Morris said: “I would like to take this opportunity to first and foremost commend the bravery shown by the victim in this case.

“They have shown incredible courage to provide their account to us, as well as appearing in court to give evidence during this trial.

“We are incredibly grateful for their strength and fortitude in ensuring that Jones has been brought before the courts and ultimately sentenced.”

She added: “Jones is clearly an incredibly dangerous individual, and today’s sentence reflects the nature of his depraved crimes.

“Thankfully, he is now no longer a danger to the public.

“The investigation team in this case have shown excellent professionalism and hard work in obtaining this result.”

Dyfed-Powys Police said anyone affected by rape or sexual offences can access support and advice through the force website, including information on how to report offences.

Victims of sexual offences are granted automatic lifetime anonymity under the law.