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.

WILDLIFE at Pembroke’s Mill Pond beauty spot may be being killed after being deliberately targeted by what appears to be catapult attacks, the town council has said.

The beauty spot close to the town’s castle has long been a haunt of swans and other wildlife, and concerns have been raised recently that several reported deaths of animals may be related to levels of algae present in the pond.

In a statement issued by Pembroke Town Council it said it has received a number of comments and enquiries from concerned residents regarding deceased wildlife recently found at Pembroke Mill Pond.

“We are aware that there has been speculation on social media suggesting that the deaths may be linked to the water quality or algae currently present in the pond. We would like to reassure residents that this is not the case.

“For the past seven years, Pembroke Town Council has employed Aqua Clear to help manage algae growth and control the spread of reeds within the pond. This ongoing work has been highly successful, with algae levels reducing by approximately 45 per cent since the programme began. The pond’s water quality continues to be monitored and remains in good condition.

“Following reports from residents, council representatives visited the pond and retrieved some of the deceased wildlife.

“On examination, it appears that around five different animals had suffered injuries consistent with being intentionally targeted using a catapult. This is an extremely distressing and cruel act against wildlife.

“The matter has been reported to the Wildlife Crime Officers, who are aware of the incident and will be investigating.

“Pembroke Town Council strongly condemns any form of cruelty towards wildlife and would encourage anyone who witnesses this type of behaviour, or has any information that may assist enquiries, to report it immediately. Information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“We would like to thank residents for bringing this matter to our attention and for their continued care and concern for Pembroke Mill Pond and the wildlife that calls it home.”

Pembrokeshire County Council has been contacted for a statement.