Crime
Dinas man jailed for ‘sustained attack on vulnerable person’
A COURT has heard how a victim recovering from a recent head and brain injury was punched to the face in what a district judge described as ‘a sustained attack’.
Matthew Reading walked into an undisclosed pub in Fishguard on the evening of January 27 and walked up to Mr David Donnally, who was recovering from recent head injuries.
“He walked up to Mr Donnally and punched him to the face with a clenched fist which opened a recent wound,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told District Judge Mark Layton who was sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court this week.
“Mr Donnally fell to the floor straight away. Because he had a recent brain injury and cuts to his hand, he was unable to protect himself.”
As a result of the assault, Mr Donnelly sustained fresh cuts to his forehead, to the bridge of his nose and the side of his head. Photographs of his injuries were shown to Judge Layton.
Reading, 31, of Maes y Llan, Feidr Fawr, Dinas Cross pleaded guilty to a charge of common assault.
“This was a sustained attack on a vulnerable victim,” commented Judge Layton when passing sentence. “Only a custodial sentence can be passed.”
Reading was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison. He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to the victim, £85 costs and a £154 court surcharge.
Crime
Dyfed-Powys Police investigating after 20mph signs damaged and stolen
A NUMBER of 20mph signs and also national speed limit signs have been damaged and stolen in the village of Llansawel, Llandeilo.
The most recent incident of damage/theft took place at some point between 08/06/2024 and
10/06/2024.
Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to
Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-
powys.police.uk, or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Quote reference: 24000533387. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Crime
Community raises funds for former teacher’s court fine
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.
Crime
Drug dealer admits cocaine possession at Haverfordwest police station
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.
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