PROCEEDINGS against a man accused of assault and intentional strangulation in Pembroke Dock have been discontinued.

Michal Rakowski, 42, had been due to stand trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (July 16).

He had faced allegations of assaulting a woman and causing her actual bodily harm, and of intentionally strangling her, in Pembroke Dock on June 8.

Rakowski, who was listed as being of no fixed abode, entered not-guilty pleas to both charges on Tuesday (July 14).

The court register confirms that both proceedings have now been discontinued.

No findings were made against Rakowski and he was not convicted of either offence.

Magistrates heard Robert Hedley put an opposing player in a headlock before gouging at his eyes during a match in St Clears

A FOOTBALLER who put an opposing player in a headlock before jumping on his back and gouging at his eyes has been ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

Robert Hedley, 42, returned to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (July 16) after being found guilty of assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett and causing him actual bodily harm.

The assault took place during a football match at St Clears on August 30 last year.

Following a two-day trial earlier this week, magistrates concluded that Hedley grabbed Mr Morley-Trivett in a headlock before jumping onto his back and gouging at his eyes.

The court heard that Mr Morley-Trivett suffered injuries including blurred vision following the attack.

When delivering the guilty verdict on Tuesday, the presiding magistrate said the defence had given varying versions of what had happened and where the two players had been positioned on the pitch.

The prosecution witnesses, however, were found to have given credible accounts of Hedley jumping onto Mr Morley-Trivett’s back and gouging at his eyes.

“We’re satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant caused injuries and, as a result, we find him guilty,” the magistrate said.

Hedley, of Wesley Way, Spittal, appeared for sentence after an all-options pre-sentence report had been prepared by the probation service.

A victim personal statement from Mr Morley-Trivett was read to the court by prosecutor Sian Vaughan.

Magistrates imposed a community order lasting until July 15, 2027, requiring Hedley to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £200 compensation to Mr Morley-Trivett, £650 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge.

The total financial penalty must be paid in monthly instalments of £100, beginning on August 14.

The bench considered imposing a restraining order but decided it was neither necessary nor proportionate because of the length of time since the offence and the absence of any further offending.

Crimestoppers launches national campaign as police estimate up to 11,600 children could be at risk

CHILDREN are being groomed, manipulated and placed in dangerous situations by county lines gangs, Crimestoppers has warned as it launches a new national awareness campaign.

The independent charity is urging members of the public to recognise the warning signs of exploitation and report concerns safely and anonymously.

County lines gangs use children and vulnerable adults to transport drugs, money and weapons between different towns and cities. Young people may be sent far from home and subjected to violence, intimidation, threats and isolation.

Police estimate that as many as 11,600 children could be at risk of county lines exploitation.

More than 2,600 children were identified as being linked to county lines activity during the past year, although authorities believe the true figure is likely to be significantly higher.

Going missing from home is one of the clearest warning signs.

Around 200,000 missing-child reports are made each year, with many involving children who disappear repeatedly. Each episode can increase the risk of exploitation, violence and other forms of harm.

Young people caught up in county lines networks may be taken to unfamiliar areas and feel unable to ask for help because they have been threatened, coerced or made to believe they will be punished.

Violence is also frequently used to maintain control.

Children may be pressured into carrying knives or other weapons in the belief that doing so will protect them. Crimestoppers warned that carrying a weapon instead places them at even greater risk of serious injury, arrest or death.

The effects can spread across entire communities, contributing to violence, drug dealing and antisocial behaviour.

Vulnerable adults may also be targeted through a practice known as “cuckooing”, where criminals take over a person’s home and use it as a base for drug dealing or other illegal activity.

Warning signs that a child may be at risk include unexplained gifts, money, new clothes or mobile phones, increased secrecy, changes in behaviour and frequent or unexplained absences.

Hayley Fry, National Manager for Wales at Crimestoppers, said: “County lines exploitation is often hidden in plain sight and can affect any family or community.

“Children are being manipulated and placed in dangerous situations, while those responsible remain in the background.

“We know people may feel unsure about coming forward, but you can tell us what you know while staying completely anonymous.

“No names, no statements, just information that could help protect a young person from harm.”

Anyone with information about county lines activity, or concerns that a young person may be at risk, can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting the charity’s website.

Crimestoppers does not ask callers for their name or personal details, and information provided cannot be traced.

Young people can also access advice and submit information anonymously through Fearless.org, the charity’s dedicated youth service.