Crime

Arrested Pembroke Dock man jailed after hospital escape attempt

Published

2 years ago

May 2, 2024

Ashley Rickard, claimed he was entitled to flee custody at Withybush Hospital, believing he hadn’t committed the alleged offences.

IB a dramatic turn of events at Withybush Hospital, Pembroke Dock resident Ashley Rickard, 26, of Elizabeth Court, made a failed bid for freedom, resulting in a 27-week prison sentence. The incident occurred shortly after Rickard, who was under arrest for a series of alleged crimes, managed to break free from his handcuffs.

Prosecutor Georgia Donohue detailed the events leading up to the escape during the trial. Rickard had been apprehended at his grandmother’s home on December 4, suspected of offences that included burglary, making threats to kill, and criminal damage. Following his arrest, Rickard complained of ingesting a substance, believed to be Valium, which necessitated medical attention at Withybush Hospital.

While at the hospital, despite being handcuffed and flanked by police, Rickard succeeded in freeing one hand and fled as he was escorted through the hospital doors. His flight took him across the car park and into a nearby housing estate, though he was captured the following day hiding at his grandmother’s residence.

Defence barrister Harry Dickens conveyed Rickard’s belief that he had been wrongfully detained, claiming this perception fueled his decision to escape. However, Judge Paul Thomas KC dismissed this justification, stating, “If everyone did that there would be chaos. Anarchy would ensue.”

Despite the dramatic circumstances, Rickard’s escape was described by Mr. Dickens as “not a sophisticated attempt,” noting that Rickard had acted alone and returned to a familiar location.

On the day set for his trial, Rickard pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody, a plea accepted by the prosecution as witnesses for the other charges were not supportive. The court subsequently entered formal not guilty verdicts for the remaining allegations.

The episode has reignited discussions on the security measures in place for handling detainees at medical facilities and the broader implications of individuals taking justice into their own hands.

Crime

Teen jailed after starting fire while others slept

Published

11 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Fire set in shared home left sleeping residents at risk and caused £130,000 damage

A TEENAGER who started a fire in his bedroom while other residents slept has been jailed for four years.

Jack Gornall, aged 18, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after admitting a series of offences including arson, threats with a knife, assault, and sending malicious communications.

The court heard that in the early hours of Sunday (Nov 17), Gornall deliberately started a fire inside his room at a shared property on Mansel Street, Carmarthen.

He then barricaded the door before climbing out of a first-floor window, leaving others inside the building at risk.

One resident was asleep at the time and had to be rescued by police. Two officers were later treated for smoke inhalation after tackling the incident before firefighters brought the blaze under control.

The fire caused extensive damage to the property, estimated at around £130,000.

Prosecutor Dean Pulling told the court that Gornall had earlier gone out to buy cigarettes and a lighter, and had carried out internet searches relating to accelerants in the days leading up to the fire.

The court also heard details of other offences.

In October 2024, Gornall repeatedly contacted his sister after being blocked, including calling her child’s phone. When she answered, he became abusive and threatened to report her to social services.

On another occasion in January 2025, he approached a car in Llandysul and produced a kitchen knife, waving it at occupants through an open window. The driver sped away and alerted police.

He also admitted stealing alcohol from a supermarket in Carmarthen, during which he became aggressive and assaulted a member of staff.

Gornall pleaded guilty to all offences at an early stage.

Judge Catherine Richards sentenced him to four years’ detention in a Young Offender Institution.

Crime

Man wanted over Class A drugs investigation in Carmarthenshire

Published

15 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for information to trace a man wanted in connection with a Class A drugs investigation in Llanelli.

Dyfed-Powys Police has issued a public appeal to locate Jake Ware, aged 25, who is originally from Liverpool but is known to have links in the west Wales area.

The appeal follows the execution of a warrant in Llanelli on Tuesday (Dec 17, 2025), as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected Class A drug offences.

Officers are urging members of the public to come forward if they have seen Ware or have any information that could assist in locating him.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101, quoting reference: 25001029597.

Members of the public can also report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

1 day ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.