Crime

Four-hour standoff ends in arrest after Gould fires ‘BB-gun’ at cops

Published

2 years ago

February 26, 2024

A TENSE four-hour standoff ensued in Milford Haven, triggered by a 34-year-old man firing a BB gun at officers, Swansea Crown Court heard today.

James Gould’s partner called the police concerned for the defendants safety, after a bout of heavy drinking and diazepam consumption.

Upon police arrival at the residence on St David’s Road, Gould barricaded himself inside. From an upstairs window, he taunted officers, goading them to shoot him.

The situation rapidly escalated into what was described in court as an “effective siege.” Gould positioned himself on an outside window ledge, repeatedly discharging the BB gun toward officers and the police negotiator. Additionally, he gestured threateningly with hand motions mimicking throat-slitting and brandished the imitation firearm.

The incident, unfolding in the early hours of December 3, reached its conclusion with Gould’s apprehension through the use of a Taser, followed by handcuffing and arrest.

During proceedings, Dyfed-Powys Police received commendation for their handling of the situation.

In his defence, James Hartson of Angel Chambers, representing Gould, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “It was only thanks to the police officers’ professionalism and restraint that the force they used at the defendant was not lethal.”

Hartson emphasised the inherent danger of pointing a firearm at police officers during the night and underscored the fortunate outcome of the ordeal, which concluded without injuries.

Gould, with a criminal record comprising four previous convictions for 40 offences, appeared for sentencing via video link from Swansea Prison, where he had been in custody since his last court appearance on January 14.

He faced charges including possessing an imitation firearm, causing significant fear of violence, affray, and two counts of criminal damage, pertaining to the vandalisation of neighbours’ vehicles by Gould hurling objects at them.

Hartson revealed that psychiatric evaluation found no underlying mental disorder contributing to Gould’s actions, attributing his behaviour to alcohol and prescription drug misuse.

“His consumption of alcohol and misuse of prescription medications clearly affected his mood,” Hartson stated, adding that Gould had no memory of the events.

Expressing remorse, Gould penned a letter to the court, conveying his deep regret. While in custody, he endeavoured to address his underlying issues through participation in anger management, stress coping, and proper medication adherence programmes.

Mr. Recorder Clarke, characterising Gould’s conduct as “reckless and unpredictable,” sentenced him to 26 months’ imprisonment for the firearms offence and 12 months for affray, to be served concurrently. No additional penalties were imposed for the criminal damage charges.

Crime

Begelly man remanded over alleged May Day assault

Published

6 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been remanded in custody following an alleged May Day assault against a woman in Begelly.

Tomas Baker, 34, of Ty Dee, New Road, Begelly, is accused of assaulting the woman, causing actual bodily harm, at an undisclosed location in Begelly on May 1.

Baker appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week by video link from Swansea Prison.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His trial will take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on June 22.

Crime

Waterston man denies child rape and sexual assault charges

Published

7 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A WATERSTON man has appeared before magistrates charged with 13 sexual offences against children, including three allegations of raping a girl under the age of 13.

Chaisee Price, 25, of Biggins Hill, Waterston, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

He faces three charges of raping a girl under 13, eight charges of sexually assaulting girls aged between five and eight, and two charges of intentionally inciting girls under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2014 and 2019.

Price denied all charges.

Because of the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court on July 10.

Price was released on conditional bail.

The conditions include a daily electronically monitored curfew between 6:00pm and 6:00am, no contact with the prosecution witness, no unsupervised contact with children under 18, and a requirement to surrender his passport to police.

Crime

Haverfordwest pair accused of £80,000 rogue trading frauds

Published

7 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

TWO men from a Haverfordwest traveller family have been described in court as “rogue traders” following a series of alleged frauds totalling almost £80,000.

Billy Alfred Gary Lovell, 38, and Timothy Dean Lovell, 36, both of Under the Hills, Merlins Bridge, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

They are accused of offences linked to ground clearance and gardening work in Mathry, Sardis and two addresses in Carmarthenshire.

Prosecuting on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Trading Standards Department, barrister Harry Dickens told the court: “These men have to be described as rogue traders.”

Billy Lovell faces 16 charges, including fraud by false representation, fraud by failing to disclose information, and unfair commercial practices.

The most serious allegation relates to Diana and Martin Hearnshaw, of Sardis. It is alleged that between January 30, 2022, and January 16, 2025, Billy Lovell dishonestly represented that he would complete clearance and gardening works worth £71,631, but failed to carry out work to that value.

He is also accused of offences involving Richard Gardner, of Penygroes, Carmarthenshire, Irene Williams, of Mathry, and Daniel Watts, of Ty Croes, Carmarthenshire.

Timothy Lovell faces ten charges arising from alleged incidents involving Richard Gardner and Irene Williams.

The allegations include claims that the defendants failed to provide accurate invoices, receipts, written contractual terms, cancellation rights and refund information. Some charges also allege that aggressive commercial practices were used, including harassment, coercion or undue influence.

No pleas were recorded. Because of the seriousness of the allegations, District Judge Mark Layton declined jurisdiction.

The case will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court on June 12.

Both defendants were granted conditional bail. They must not contact prosecution witnesses directly or indirectly, must live and sleep each night at their respective addresses in Under the Hills, Merlins Bridge, and must not undertake any gardening or landscaping work.