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.

Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis

Published

1 hour ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PUBLIC INVITED TO LETTERSTON EVENT HOSTED BY TRANSITION BRO GWAUN

A FREE public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing is to be held at Letterston Memorial Hall on Friday, May 29.

The event, hosted by Transition Bro Gwaun, starts at 7:00pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.

The screening will be introduced by Dr Sarah Beynon, of The Bug Farm, St Davids, and will be followed by a structured discussion on climate and nature risks and what they may mean for local communities.

The 50-minute film has been adapted from the National Emergency Briefing, held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers, business leaders, cultural figures, faith representatives, sports figures and media leaders gathered to hear from experts on climate and nature risks.

The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, examines the potential impact of climate and nature breakdown on food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security.

Dr Beynon said: “We are in a biodiversity and climate emergency. We have destroyed over half of our wildlife. In my late father’s lifetime, we have destroyed 97% of our wildflower meadows.

“Over 80% of our habitats are in poor condition. Over 60% of our rivers are not in good health and one in five species is at risk of extinction.

“How do we want to leave this planet for future generations? Then ask yourself if you are prepared to act. If you are, the first step is to understand the issues facing us, and this film is a vital part of understanding the situation we are in so we can all step up and do something together.”

The People’s Emergency Briefing was launched nationwide in April and is now being screened in communities across the UK. Organisers say more than 300 showings have already taken place, with around 1,000 scheduled over the summer.

Further local screenings are also planned for Solva and Cardigan in June.

Transition Bro Gwaun said the Letterston event comes at a time when communities in Pembrokeshire are facing increasing pressure from severe weather, flooding, dry spells and wildfire risks.

November and December 2025 saw flooding affect many areas, with the Met Office confirming rainfall was more than 50% above average during that period.

The group said the event was not intended to be “doom and gloom”, but would also focus on practical and hopeful responses.

Henry Tufnell MP, Pembrokeshire county councillors and town and community councillors have been invited to attend.

Tom Latter, trustee at Transition Bro Gwaun, said: “TBG welcomes the opportunity to host one of many Emergency Briefing events around the UK, addressing the climate and nature crisis.

“Co-ordinated restorative action is urgently needed, and understanding of the urgency for honest commitment to resilience planning from all branches of society.”

Free tickets are available through Transition Bro Gwaun, and refreshments will be provided.

Climate

Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis

Published

1 hour ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair