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Crime

Man jailed after drunken brawl over Chinese takeaway in West Wales

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A PEMBROKE DOCK man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison following a violent altercation that erupted over a Chinese takeaway, resulting in the assault of four individuals.

Richard John, 40, from Bush Street, faced charges of strangling a man and committing three acts of battery, which included spitting blood at a woman and a teenage girl, and punching another man in the face. The incident unfolded on the evening of January 2, when John, allegedly intoxicated after consuming an “astonishing” amount of alcohol, estimated at around 28 cans, became involved in a heated dispute with his neighbours outside his Milford Haven address, where he had been bailed for unrelated offences.

The confrontation escalated when John returned indoors, lamenting that he had been left with mere “scraps” from a Chinese takeaway. A 24-year-old man was then attacked by John, who grabbed him by the throat and began to strangle him. The victim managed to break free after headbutting John.

In the chaos that ensued, John spat blood at a woman attempting to de-escalate the situation, and similarly targeted a 16-year-old girl who tried to remove him from the premises. The assault continued when a man, the partner of one of the victims, entered the fray to assist, only to be punched in the mouth by John.

The victims barricaded themselves in the living room, holding the door shut until the arrival of the police.

During his court appearance, John contested the strangulation charge, claiming it was a defensive move against the alleged victim. However, he later admitted guilt to all charges. The court was informed of John’s extensive criminal history, comprising 37 previous convictions for 65 offences.

In mitigation, defence counsel Ian Ibrahim highlighted John’s remorse and recognition of his “disgusting” behaviour on the day of the offence. John, who has undertaken courses to address his alcohol dependency while in custody, expressed regret for his actions.

Recorder Simon Hughes imposed an 18-month jail sentence for the strangulation charge, with concurrent sentences of nine weeks for the punch and six weeks for each spitting offence. Additionally, the court issued a five-year restraining order in favour of the strangulation victim and the teenage girl, offering them protection against John.

 

Crime

Pembroke Dock man denies coercive control allegations

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Case sent to Crown Court amid claims of stalking, abduction and dangerous driving

A PEMBROKE DOCK man is to appear before a Crown Court judge charged with repeatedly engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour towards a woman.

Alfie Hegarty, aged 20, of Church Street, Pembroke Dock, is accused of repeatedly or continuously engaging in behaviour said to have controlled the complainant’s social media use, restricted who she could speak to and involved extreme jealousy.

“The allegations go further than that and include abduction, dangerous driving, stalking, coercive controlling behaviour and harassment,” Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

Mr Davies asked magistrates to decline jurisdiction because of the seriousness of the case.

“This is not suitable for summary trial, given the effect that it’s had on the victim,” he said.

Hegarty denied the allegation. No representations were made by his solicitor.

Magistrates granted the Crown’s request and the case was sent to Swansea Crown Court, where proceedings are due to begin on March 27.

Hegarty was released on conditional bail. The conditions are that he must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly and must not enter her address in Neyland.

 

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Crime

Milford Haven pensioner admits sexually assaulting two shop workers

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76-year-old touched victims and kissed one on the neck, court hears

A MILFORD HAVEN man has admitted sexually assaulting two women at a shop by touching their buttocks and kissing one of them on the neck.

“These were sexual touching elements, which made the victims feel extremely uncomfortable,” said Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies when John Mason appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

The first incident took place at a Milford Haven store on August 3, 2025.

“The victim contacted the police as she’d been working in the store and recognised the defendant when he walked in,” said Mr Davies.

She was standing by the counter when Mason approached from behind, placed his hands on her shoulders and used his right hand to touch her bottom.

“There was definitely a sexual element there,” added the prosecutor.

The second victim told officers she also recognised Mason, who had entered the store on a number of occasions.

“He grabbed her buttock with one hand, which she found unacceptable, and kissed the back of her neck,” said Mr Davies. “This made her feel very uncomfortable and there was again a sexual touching element.”

Mason, aged 76, of Coombs Drive, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual assault.

Sentencing was adjourned until March 17 to allow the probation service to prepare an all-options report. Mason was released on bail with conditions not to enter the stores where the victims work and not to contact them directly or indirectly.

 

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Crime

Man accused of sexual offences against child appears in court

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29-year-old denies six charges as case sent to Swansea Crown Court

A MERLINS BRIDGE man has appeared before magistrates charged with a series of serious sexual offences involving a child.

Adam Frank, aged 29, faces three charges of sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl by penetration, namely that he allegedly penetrated her vagina with his fingers. He also faces three further charges of intentionally touching a child in a sexual manner.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between January 19, 2018 and March 1, 2020.

Frank, of St Margarets Close, Merlins Bridge, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, where his solicitor, Michael Kelleher, indicated not guilty pleas to each charge.

Given the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case was sent to Swansea Crown Court. Frank was released on unconditional bail and is due to appear before the Crown Court on March 27.

 

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