News

Paramedic’s ‘nasty assault’ is ‘tragic’

Published

7 years ago

March 17, 2017

Justin Chilvers: Likely to lose his job after ‘nasty’ assault

A PARAMEDIC who assaulted a woman appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Mar 15).

30-year-old Justin John Chilvers, who now lives in Reading, initially pleaded not guilty to the charge and arrived at Haverfordwest Law Court prepared for a trial, however pleaded guilty at the last minute.

The court heard that on October 22 last year, Chilvers had gone out in the evening with a female, along with eight other friends, who all consumed alcohol.

Prosecuting, Vaughan Pritchard- Jones, said that Chilvers had over ten pints that night, and is also on anti-depressants. The complainant said she had over a bottle of wine and five double vodkas.

Mr Pritchard-Jones explained: “This was a nasty assault. It was around 3-4am, the morning after their night out. There was a lock in at the RAFA Club in St Davids. The defendant became involved in a confrontation with another man, and the complainant and one other person ended up outside.

“Chilvers asked the complainant to walk away, but she didn’t want to because she had left her bag inside. However, she walked down an alleyway with him.”

Mr Pritchard-Jones went on to say that Chilver started ‘having a go’ at the victim, saying she hadn’t supported him when he had been confronted in the nightclub, and she just ‘stood by’.

“The next thing she remembers,” said Mr Pritchard-Jones, “he pushed her hard and she fell to the ground. He kicked her to the leg and upper body, and she felt a number of blows coming in, but she couldn’t say where they were coming from or what they were with.”

He continued: “She was pulled back up to her feet and they moved further down the alleyway. He pushed her over again, and he got on top of her, placed his hands around her neck and began to strangle her.”

The court heard that the victim said when Chilvers stopped, he looked like he was in ‘complete shock’, as if he ‘couldn’t believe what he had done’.

Mr Pritchard-Jones said she then started walking in front of him back to the club, and when she got a bit of distance between them, she ran. He ran after her, and rugby tackled her to the floor, causing grazing injuries.

It was at that point that people came out of the RAFA Club and the assault stopped.

Mr Pritchard-Jones said: “The defendant admitted putting his hand around her throat, and said he did it inside the pub to bring her outside for her own protection. He admitted kicking but only once.”

Photographs of the victim’s injuries were shown to the court, which depicted multiple bruises on both sides of her neck, her shoulder and her leg.

Mr Pritchard-Jones described these as ‘nasty’ bruises.

The victim’s statement was read out to court, in which she said she now feels too scared to go out after dark. Her mother has had to take two weeks off work to support her, and her father has also had to have time off.

She said she feels worried and anxious, and has difficulty sleeping. However, she said she wishes Chilvers ‘all the best’, and hopes he ‘learns from his mistakes and has a good life’.

Speaking in Chilvers’ defence, Paul Gilmartin told the court that Chilvers was attacked by three men that night before this incident, which was an unprovoked attack. He claimed that the victim had tried to intervene, and Chilvers got hold of her and ‘pulled her out’.

He also said that after the assault, when she decided to go back to the club, Chilvers felt she shouldn’t have gone back ‘for her own good’, which is why he brought her ‘to the ground’.

Mr Gilmartin said: “He accepts full responsibility and shouldn’t have behaved in that way. Chilvers has come from a very difficult family. Other members of his family have found themselves on the wrong side of the law, but Chilvers has taken a different path. But, his past was there to catch up with him.”

He also told the magistrates that Chilvers will now likely lose his job as a paramedic, and is contemplating joining the military.

After being asked to choose a financial penalty rather than a community order or custodial sentence, the chair of the bench said: “We have taken an unusual step of not going for reports.

“We consider this a category two offence, which is very serious. This is quite tragic. You will probably lose your job. You as a paramedic must have seen the effects of alcohol and drugs.”

Chilvers was ordered to pay a £720 fine, £72 victim surcharge, £350 prosecution costs, and £1,000 compensation to the victim.

A restraining order was also imposed, which restricts Chilvers from contacting the victim directly or indirectly, or entering Pembrokeshire at all.

Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

Published

1 hour ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

Published

2 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

2 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.