THE PEMBROKESHIRE community has successfully raised the funds needed to cover the court fine of former teacher Rhodri S. Jones within just 24 hours. The GoFundMe campaign, launched to support Jones after his conviction for assaulting a child at Ysgol Caer Elen, has met its £600 target.

Jones, 40, of Hayston View, Johnston, had pleaded guilty to assault by beating. He was legally represented in court by Mr Michael Kelleher, who highlighted the difficulties faced by teachers in maintaining discipline without physical interaction. Jones, described as mortified by the incident, resigned from the teaching profession following the altercation where he pushed a pupil who was being cheeky and rude.

The court fined Jones £400, with additional costs and a surcharge bringing the total to £645. No compensation order was made against the victim, with the presiding magistrate deeming it inappropriate.

The fundraiser, organised by Andrew Phillips, saw an outpouring of support from the community, quickly surpassing its goal. Donations flooded in from parents, colleagues, and local residents who felt the punishment was too severe for what they considered a minor incident.

Jones expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am overwhelmed with the support of the community, and I can’t believe how generous everyone has been. This has been a difficult time for me and my family, and this support means the world to us.”

The rapid success of the campaign highlights the strong sense of community and the high regard in which Jones is held. Supporters emphasised his dedication to teaching and lamented the loss of a valued educator from the profession.

This collective effort not only alleviates the financial burden on Jones but also sends a powerful message of community unity and support. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the challenges faced by teachers and the pressures of maintaining discipline in modern educational environments.

SCOTT COWDERY, a 31-year-old resident of Wesley Place, Trecwn, appeared at Swansea Crown Court this week, where he faced charges of possession with intent to supply cocaine. Cowdery admitted to being found with 7.7 grams of cocaine on May 13, which he intended to sell. Following his guilty plea, he was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on July 12.

The incident leading to Cowdery’s arrest occurred at Haverfordwest Police Station after he had been apprehended on May 13 for stealing food from the Premier Stores on Market Street. This arrest was not Cowdery’s first brush with the law.

Cowdery had previously appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where he was sentenced for six shoplifting offences and one charge of assault by beating of an emergency worker. The magistrates heard that on January 31, Cowdery stole three bottles of spirits worth approximately £80 from Tesco in Haverfordwest. He also admitted to stealing groceries from Iceland in Haverfordwest on March 18 and 21, valued at £16.05 and £29.05 respectively. Additionally, Cowdery took razors worth £99.98 from Boots at Withybush Retail Park and razors worth around £80 from Boots in Pembroke Dock.

Furthermore, Cowdery was charged with attacking a police officer at an address on Vine Road in Johnston on July 22 last year. He pleaded guilty to all the offences.

On May 21, Cowdery was sentenced to a total of 20 weeks’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay £310.61 in compensation to the affected stores, £100 to the assaulted officer, and £170 in costs.

A MAN accused of a series of serious offences, including attacking, sexually assaulting, and attempting to rape a woman in Goodwick, has refused to attend court for the second time.

Benjamin Guiver, 34, of Heol Glyndwr in Fishguard, remains in custody following his arrest on suspicion of multiple offences. Dyfed-Powys Police received reports of a serious assault in the Goodwick area on Friday, May 24.

A police spokesperson stated that the complainant sustained “serious facial injuries” in what was described as a “reportedly sustained attack.”

Guiver faces charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, attempted rape, sexual assault by penetration, making threats to kill, and intentional strangulation.

The defendant was scheduled to appear in court on Monday to enter his pleas. However, the hearing was adjourned after he failed to attend. The case was rescheduled for Wednesday, June 26, but Guiver again did not show up.

“He has refused to get on the bus this morning,” said Jon Tarrant, representing the defendant.

Judge Huw Rees has adjourned the case for two weeks and ordered that Guiver appear in court to enter his pleas on Wednesday, July 10.