News

Man with auditory hallucinations had knife

Published

2 years ago

January 11, 2024

TREVOR EVANS, a 23-year-old man from Gorsgoch, bravely called the police on himself late at night on October 16, fearing for his and others’ safety due to distressing auditory hallucinations. Evans was apprehended on a remote country road between Gorsgoch and Talgarreg, armed with a knife and carrying an aerosol can and lighter, as reported by prosecutor Georgia Donohue at Swansea Crown Court.

The police, responding promptly after midnight, were met by Evans who confessed that he was struggling with voices instructing him to harm himself and anyone nearby. This alarming revelation prompted his immediate arrest and subsequent hospitalisation for mental health assessment, followed by remand in custody for his protection.

Evans, with no prior convictions, pleaded guilty at the earliest instance to possessing a bladed article. His defence, led by Hannah George, emphasised his commitment to mental health improvement, having actively engaged with all the support offered by the probation service.

In a compassionate turn, Recorder Powell KC acknowledged Evans’ efforts in prison to address his issues, ruling out any intention on his part to harm others. Recognising the pivotal role of alcohol in Evans’ mental health struggles, the judge imposed a 12-month community order. This includes a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring program and 35 days of rehabilitation activities, alongside a £114 victim surcharge. Recorder Powell expressed optimism that Evans’ problems would largely resolve with abstinence from alcohol.

Evans himself, displaying a candid understanding of his condition, vowed to abstain from alcohol, recognising its detrimental impact on his mental state.

This case highlights the complex interplay of mental health and the criminal justice system, underlining the necessity for sensitive and informed responses to individuals experiencing mental health crises. Evans’ proactive and responsible action in seeking help potentially averted a more tragic outcome, while the court’s decision reflects a growing recognition of the need for treatment and rehabilitation over punitive measures in such cases.

Charity

Donation gives Stackpole Quay book trailer fresh new look

Published

8 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A COMMUNITY donation will help spruce up a popular summer book trailer at Stackpole Quay after members of the Pembrokeshire National Trust Association handed over more than one thousand pounds to support the project.

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association presented a cheque for £1,095 to the National Trust at Stackpole Quay this weekend.

The cheque was formally given to Rhian Sula, General Manager for the charity’s Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Bay portfolio, by association chairman Jane Mason during a National Trust information coffee morning at the Stackpole Centre.

The money will be used to refurbish the well-known second-hand book trailer which operates at the quay during the summer months. The trailer allows visitors to pick up a holiday read while making a donation, with proceeds supporting local conservation and access projects.

Last year alone, the trailer raised more than £1,500.

Jane Mason said the association had originally funded the purchase of the trailer several years ago and wanted to build on its success.

“Our new donation from members’ support will improve the trailer with updated imagery and design,” she said. “This will help the National Trust present a more professional, welcoming and brand-aligned offer, and potentially grow donation income.”

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association runs a programme of talks, visits and guided walks in support of local Trust properties. Membership of the National Trust is not required to join the association. Annual membership costs £5 for individuals and £8 for couples.

At its AGM in November, the group announced £3,000 in additional donations for local projects, including replacement willow hurdles at Tudor Merchants House, footpath improvements at Little Milford, and a new bench, tree planting and path works at Southwood.

With the latest contribution towards the book trailer, the association’s donations for the current financial year now exceed £4,000.

Photo caption:

Jane Mason presents a cheque for £1,095 to Rhian Sula at Stackpole Centre (Pic: supplied).

Crime

OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters

Published

9 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.

Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.

The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.

His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.

Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.

Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.

Crime

Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls

Published

9 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.

Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.

The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.

She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.

As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.

Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.

She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.