Milford Haven: Martial arts instructor handed suspended sentence for choking boys

Published

8 years ago

May 23, 2018

Tom Sinclair

A JUDGE has called for changes after hearing how an unqualified martial arts instructor knocked out two teenage boys.

Steven Grant, aged 29, admitted performing choke holds on the boys to teach them how dangerous the sport could be.

But they both fell to the ground unconscious.

Judge Geraint Walters said there was something wrong when a martial arts enthusiast could set himself up as an instructor without passing any examinations or gaining any qualifications.

The fact that Grant could perform martial arts did not mean he was able to teach others, he said.

Grant, who ran the Slicks martial arts club in Charles Street, Milford Haven, admitted two offences of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Robin Rouch, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court that while an instructor could demonstrate choke holds they should never be followed through with.

Grant told the court that he heard one of the boys talking about fighting another boy and worried that he might use martial arts techniques.

To get his message across, he said, he showed them how dangerous that could be by knocking them out by grabbing their necks and cutting off the blood supply to their brains.

Grant admitted knocking one of them out on two separate occasions.

Grant, of St Lawrence Avenue, Milford Haven, was jailed for six months, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work for the community and to complete 30 days of a rehabilitation activity.

The judge also issued a seven-year restraining order banning Grant from contacting the boys.

Judge Walters said: “Someone needs to look at how classes like this operate so the risk of this sort of thing happening is managed in a proper way.

“It is unusual for a teacher to knock his pupils unconscious. You were in a position of power and the parents of those boys put a great deal of trust in you.

“If an instructor does not qualify as an instructor he will only be as good as he was as a pupil,” he added.

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.