Crime
Man charged with assault, strangulation, and controlling behaviour
LIAM BRIAN, 30, of Owen Street in Pennar, appeared at Swansea Crown Court facing four serious charges. The allegations include assaulting and strangling a woman in Merlin’s Bridge on August 11 of the previous year.
In addition, Brian is charged with engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour from January 2023 to January 2024. The accusations detail that he prevented the woman from seeing her family members, denied her access to a bank card and house keys, and restricted her from showering before work. It is also alleged that Brian dictated what clothes she could wear, controlled her contact with male colleagues, and subjected her to further assaults and strangulation.
Brian also faces a charge of attempting to pervert the course of public justice. On January 24, it is alleged he pressured the same woman to withdraw her witness statement to the police.
At a previous court appearance on April 29, Brian pleaded not guilty to all charges. The hearing was adjourned because the charges had been uploaded late, preventing his defence counsel, Dean Pulling, from having a full conference with him to offer advice.
Brian returned to court on May 17, where Mr Pulling confirmed that the defendant’s not guilty pleas remained unchanged. The court has set a trial date for September 3, and Brian was remanded back into custody.
Crime
‘Sheer luck’ that out-of-control car did not hit mother and baby
IN MILFORD HAVEN a woman and her baby were on the way to the local shop on Saturday (Sept 28) when what was described at the scene as a “drunk driver” veered off the road, mounted the pavement, and struck the telegraph pole just next to them.
The pole, in Milton Crescent was damaged, causing heavy duty trunking to break off and hit the pram, damaging it, but narrowly missing the baby.
It seems Deanna Potter and her baby, Danny, were only saved by the fortunate position of the pole – which took a heavy impact – preventing the large black Audi from ploughing into them.
After the collision, the woman said, the driver “attempted to flee”, but her car was too damaged. She then exited her vehicle and walked away, “seemingly indifferent to the near-fatal accident” she had caused.
Police soon arrested the driver, and are investigating the incident.
Mother and baby are said to be doing fine, but are obviously shaken-up by the ordeal.
The police have been asked to comment. (Images: Facebook)
Crime
Man charged with possession of offensive weapon and assault
A MAN has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and common assault following an incident in the Pembrokeshire village of St Dogmaels.
David Rees, 62, is set to appear in court on 9th October in relation to the incident, which took place on 16th September and left one person with minor injuries.
Locals reported that armed police, dog units, and a police helicopter descended on the scene, creating a significant emergency response in the normally quiet village.
In a police update that evening, it was confirmed that the ‘unusual police presence’ was due to an ‘isolated incident’ which had been ‘safely resolved’. Two police patrol cars remained in the village late into the evening to reassure residents and members of the public.
An update issued by Dyfed-Powys Police on Wednesday, 25th September, confirmed they had responded to reports of an assault resulting in injury to the victim. Following their response, officers arrested and charged a man with possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and common assault in connection with the incident.
Crime
Pembrokeshire due face trial after denying assault charges
PEMBROKESHIRE residents Christopher Lewis, 42, and Jenna Allen, 37, appeared in Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Sept 27) for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The duo, both of Kensington Road, Neyland, have been charged following an incident that allegedly took place on June 25, 2023.
The pair, who were arrested following the alleged assault, have pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. Lewis is accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
The prosecution claims that on the date in question, he assaulted Christopher Allen, causing actual bodily harm.
Meanwhile, Jenna Allen faces a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, contrary to Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
It is alleged that she unlawfully inflicted grievous bodily harm upon Joanna Allen during the same incident.
The case was previously heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in August.
During that hearing, both defendants entered not guilty pleas and were subsequently sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial under Section 51(1) & (2)(b) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
Both Lewis and Allen were granted unconditional bail and required to attend the Crown Court hearing scheduled for today.
The hearing at Swansea Crown Court lasted approximately 30 minutes. The session, classified as a plea and trial preparation hearing, was an important procedural step in finalising the arrangements for the upcoming trial.
The trial date has been confirmed for Tuesday, 18th March 2024. The court will then hear evidence, including witness statements and medical reports related to the incident. Both defendants are required to attend the trial, where the presented evidence will allow the court to deliberate on the charges against them.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Wales (South West) is handling the case, with Abigail Jackson representing the prosecution. The defence for both defendants is led by Fenn Richards.
As of now, no victim personal statements have been provided, and no pre-sentence report (PSR) has been ordered, pending the outcome of the trial.
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