News

Prison for abusive assault on ex-partner in front of her children

Published

2 years ago

June 6, 2023

IN A DISTRESSING case of domestic abuse, Max Young, a 30-year-old resident of Swn Y Mor in St Davids, has been sentenced to a total of 18 months in prison for a series of violent offenses. Young was found guilty of burglary, sending malicious communications, two counts of common assault, possessing cannabis, and a public order offense. Described by Judge Paul Thomas as a “violent and highly abusive” individual, Young’s actions have resulted in the imposition of a three-year restraining order.

The events leading to Young’s imprisonment unfolded at Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday, May 31. The court heard that earlier this year, Young had been in a relationship with the complainant. On February 18, the couple, accompanied by friends, visited the RAFA Club in St Davids. However, the evening took a distressing turn when Young subjected the complainant to verbal abuse and even discharged a fire extinguisher at her. The abusive behavior continued upon their return home, leaving the victim traumatized.

Several weeks later, on March 2, Young, visibly intoxicated, arrived uninvited at the complainant’s residence where she was present with her two young children, aged eight and two, as well as a friend. He proceeded to unleash a brutal assault on the woman, kicking her in the chest, throwing her into the stairs, and physically attacking her friend. The children’s cries were captured on the Ring doorbell recording, providing harrowing evidence of the incident.

Amidst the chaos, the two victims managed to force Young out of the house, seeking help from neighbors before contacting the police. However, even in custody, Young continued his abusive behavior, verbally targeting a female officer and repeatedly spitting in the police vehicle.

The court heard how the complainant suffered from physical injuries, including swelling, bruising, and a fractured finger. Her ordeal was exacerbated when Young violated his bail conditions on March 22, sending her a text expressing love before leaving a voicemail with a terrifying threat to her life. In a statement read out in court, the victim expressed her ongoing fear of Young and what he might do next.

In mitigation, Young’s defense counsel, Hannah George, acknowledged the defendant’s worsening alcohol issues and the deteriorating state of his relationship with the complainant. George argued that Young’s time behind bars had compelled him to confront his alcohol-related problems and express remorse for his actions.

Addressing Young directly, Judge Thomas did not mince his words, stating, “Your behavior towards a woman with whom you had been in a relationship with was nothing short of violent and highly abusive.” He emphasized the impact of the assault on the two young children who had witnessed their mother’s distressing ordeal, calling Young a “horrible abusive individual who attacks women.” The judge further remarked on Young’s inability to handle alcohol responsibly and urged him to recognize the consequences of his actions.

As a result of his crimes, Young was handed a 15-month sentence for burglary and an additional three months for sending malicious communications, to be served consecutively. He received a concurrent two-month sentence for both common assault offenses. The possession of cannabis charge, which stemmed from his arrest on March 2, and the public order offense did not attract separate penalties. Young had pleaded guilty to all the charges.

In addition to his prison term, Young was also served with a three-year restraining order, preventing him from contacting or approaching the complainant.

This case highlights the severe consequences of domestic abuse and serves as a reminder that such abhorrent behavior will not be tolerated in our society. The judgment, which reflects the seriousness of Young’s offenses, seeks to protect the victim and send a clear message that violence against women will be met with the full force of the law.

Crime

Dyfed-Powys Police pays out hundreds of thousands in compensation claims

Published

4 hours ago

January 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

NEW figures reveal Dyfed-Powys Police has paid out £324,000 in compensation over the past five years, following nearly 200 claims made by members of the public.

A Freedom of Information requests show a whopping 186 claims were lodged against the force between 2019 and 2024, with compensation payments peaking in 2021/2022 at £138,111. Claims included allegations of unlawful arrest, financial losses, personal injury, and failure in duty of care.

In 2019/2020, 36 claims were made, with nine settled. The following year, 22 claims were lodged, with nine again resulting in payouts. Numbers rose to 38 claims in 2021/2022, with 11 settlements, before dropping slightly in 2022/2023 to 36 claims and eight payouts. However, the most recent figures for 2023/2024 show a significant rise, with 54 claims and seven settlements.

Lucy Parker, a solicitor from JF Law, said: “Claims against police forces highlight the importance of accountability. Issues such as wrongful arrest, assault, and negligence must be addressed seriously.”

Nationally, UK police forces have paid out millions in compensation, with property damage from botched raids cited as a frequent reason.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been approached for comment.

News

Rail passengers in west Wales ‘let down’ by hundreds of train cancellations

Published

4 hours ago

January 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RAIL passengers in west Wales are being “let down” following the cancellation of more than 650 Transport for Wales (TfW) trains on routes to Swansea and beyond in just 12 months.

Between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, a total of 654 services were cancelled, impacting key routes to Llanelli, Carmarthen, Pembroke Dock, Fishguard, and Milford Haven. The cancellations have sparked frustration among passengers and raised concerns over the reliability of rail services in the region.

Transport for Wales, which took over day-to-day rail operations from Arriva nearly seven years ago, has faced ongoing criticism for service quality. A Rail User Survey in 2023 revealed that only 72% of passengers were satisfied with TfW services, making it the worst-rated operator in the UK at the time. By comparison, Southern Railway scored 80%.

Recent surveys show some improvements. Between February and September 2024, overall satisfaction rose to 85%, with punctuality increasing to 73% and frequency to 66%. However, these numbers remain below national averages, and the situation in west Wales continues to lag behind other regions.

Passengers in west Wales have long expressed frustration over frequent delays and cancellations. One traveller recounted a 60-mile journey from Cardiff Central to Carmarthen that resulted in an overnight stay in Cardiff due to multiple delays and cancellations. Replacement buses offered little reprieve, with onward journeys stretching well into the early hours.

Peredur Owen Griffiths MS, Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for Transport, criticised the situation, saying: “These statistics show that Welsh passengers are being let down. Historical underinvestment in our rail network and infrastructure has led us to this position. In order to create a Welsh rail network that works for the people of Wales, it’s vital that decisions regarding Welsh rail are made in Wales.”

Mr Griffiths added: “Only Plaid Cymru fights for the devolution of rail infrastructure to ensure we can secure consistent investment in our network and deliver reliable services.”

Despite some recent improvements in customer satisfaction, the sheer scale of cancellations highlights ongoing issues with rail services in Wales, particularly in west Wales where consistent, reliable transport remains a challenge for many commuters and travellers.

Charity

Tributes paid to former Tenby RNLI crew member Stuart Fecci

Published

4 hours ago

January 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TENBY RNLI is mourning the loss of former Shore Crew member Stuart Fecci, who passed away recently. Stuart served aboard the Henry Comber Brown lifeboat until a tragic accident in 1988 resulted in the loss of his hand.

Despite the injury, Stuart remained a dedicated supporter of Tenby RNLI. The Fecci family has deep roots with the station, including Stuart’s son Samuel, who raised over £300 by completing the RNLI’s Mayday Mile walk in 2021.

Deputy Coxswain Jon Lewis, Stuart’s cousin who carries the Fecci name through his mother, paid tribute: “The last time I spoke to him, he greeted me in a packed Tudor Square as the larger-than-life character he was and shouted, ‘Coxswain Lewis!’ before continuing to congratulate me.”

Stuart will be deeply missed by the entire community. The thoughts of everyone at the station are with his wife Sally and his family during this difficult time.