Crime

Milford man had ‘no recollection’ of violent outburst against partner

Published

6 months ago

May 30, 2024

LEE MORGAN, a 42-year-old resident of Steynton, has been handed a suspended prison sentence for strangling his partner during a drunken outburst.

The incident occurred on the evening of April 5 when Morgan returned home from the pub in an intoxicated state and lost his temper, leading to a series of violent actions.

Prosecutor Ieuan Rees told Swansea Crown Court that Morgan began his rampage by throwing clothes at his partner, followed by hurling a TV remote and a wallet at her head. He then proceeded to verbally abuse her. The situation escalated when Morgan followed his partner to the bedroom, pushed her onto the bed, and strangled her until she began to lose consciousness.

The victim managed to escape and call the police, later showing red marks on her neck as evidence of the assault. When the police arrived, they found Morgan “very drunk” and he refused to answer their questions during the interview.

Morgan, of Green Close, claimed he had no recollection of the incident due to his level of intoxication but pleaded guilty to the charge of strangulation. He also faced charges of battery related to the same night and another strangulation charge from an incident on April 30 of the previous year, which only came to light during the current investigation.

Despite pleading not guilty to the battery and the earlier strangulation charges, the Crown Prosecution Service accepted his guilty plea for the latest offence, deciding not to pursue a trial for the additional charges.

In mitigation, defence barrister David Singh described Morgan as “devastated by his behaviour,” and eager to overcome his alcohol addiction. Recorder Greg Bull KC condemned Morgan’s actions, stating, “You behaved like a drunken lout. Just because you were drunk, you lost your temper with your partner of 10 years. During a strop that lasted for over half an hour, you then attempted to strangle her.”

Recorder Bull sentenced Morgan to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. Morgan is also required to complete a 120-day alcohol abstinence monitoring programme and 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days. The remaining charges of battery and the earlier strangulation were dismissed with not guilty verdicts.

The court said it’s decision aims to provide Morgan with an opportunity to address his alcohol issues while ensuring the safety and justice for his partner.

Crime

Pembroke Dock resident faces court over dog control breaches

Published

1 hour ago

November 13, 2024

Court Reporter

PHILIP Murray, 52, of 11 Picton Place, Pembroke Dock, will appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 14) to face several charges of breaching a community protection notice. The notice, issued under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, required Murray to control his dogs in response to repeated disturbances.

The charges relate to incidents from May to September 2024, when Murray allegedly failed to comply with the restrictions set out in a notice issued on January 3, 2024. Court documents state that despite multiple warnings, Murray continued to disregard the order, leading to ongoing issues linked to his dogs’ behaviour.

If found guilty, Murray could face a Level 4 fine for each offence. The hearing is scheduled to take place from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Courtroom 1, presided over by the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Adult Panel.

The case underscores the role of community protection notices in addressing persistent anti-social behavior.

Crime

Cilgerran driver banned for drug use on Cardigan high street

Published

2 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Court Reporter

A CILGERRAN motorist appeared before a district judge after driving on Cardigan High Street under the influence of cannabis.

On May 3, police officers on patrol detected a strong smell of cannabis from a Volkswagen Golf driven by Kim Haynes, 40.

A drugs wipe returned a positive result, with subsequent tests showing Haynes had 3.4 mcg of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol in her blood, above the legal limit of 2.

Haynes, of Sun Cottage, Church Street, Cilgerran, pleaded guilty to driving over the specified drug-drive limit. She was fined and ordered to pay a total of £365, including costs and a court surcharge, and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Crime

Motorist disqualified after cannabis-fuelled traffic collision

Published

2 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Court Reporter

A 21-YEAR-OLD driver has been disqualified after a traffic pile-up on the A40 following cannabis use.

Officers attended Arnold’s Hill, Slebech, on March 29 in response to a multi-vehicle collision involving Kayleigh Taylor, 21, whose Toyota Aygo was on the opposite carriageway.

“There was a smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle, so a drugs wipe was conducted, which returned a positive result,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan. Further tests showed Taylor had 7.7 mcg of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol in her blood, above the legal limit of 2.

Taylor, of Princess Royal Way, Haverfordwest, admitted to driving over the specified drug-drive limit and possessing 266.1 grams of cannabis found in her vehicle.

District Judge Mark Layton sentenced her to a 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. She was disqualified from driving for 17 months, fined £80, and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.