Crime

Pembrokeshire man sentenced for ‘unhealthy fixation’ with woman

Published

2 weeks ago

June 19, 2024

A MILFORD HAVEN who developed ‘an unhealthy fixation’ with a former acquaintance has appeared before a judge on a charge of stalking

For three weeks in May 2024, Jamie Norman bombarded former acquaintance with messages. He also sent numerous unwanted messages to members of her family and her friends.

The victim received the first message from Norman on May 14.

“He messaged her on Facebook, wondering if she’d like to meet up later so they could talk,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told District Judge Mark Layton who was sitting in Haverfordwest Magistrates court on Tuesday.

“I’d really like to see you,” he said. “How long has it been? Ten or 15 years?”
Further messages were sent to Jamie Norman on May 21 by one of the defendant’s family members. “He told me that he likes this girl called Amy, so I looked you up,” read the message.

Similar messages continued over several days.

“His [Jamie Norman] desire was to move away with the victim,” continued Ms Jackson. “He then began saying he wanted to marry her. He didn’t know where she lived, but he wanted to go to her house, meet up with her and chat.”

He then posted several items on Facebook, asking his friends’ opinion on whether he should pursue the relationship.

“Do I carry on pursuing Amy?” he asked. “I’d like to know what you think.”

On May 27 he contacted one of the victims friends via Facebook. If you don’t get Amy to message me in the next two hours, I’m phoning the police,” he said. “All I want is an answer, yes or no.”

Ms Jackson said that a total of 72 messages were sent by Norman to the victim as well as approximately four missed phone calls.

“He was repeatedly asking to meet up, saying he wanted to marry her and take her away from her so-called friends,” said Ms Jackson. “She became increasingly concerned, particularly when she found out that the defendant knew where she worked.

“She was becoming increasingly anxious.”

In a victim impact statement read out to the court, the former partner of the defendant said she was ‘afraid of the unknown’.

“I don’t know what he’s capable of,” she said. “I don’t think he’s thinking rationally about his actions. It’s the fear of the unknown that really scares me.”

Norman was legally represented in court by Mr Michael Kelleher.

“The defendant has no intention of contacting the lady again,” he said. “The messages were not of a threatening nature, but he’d clearly formed a fixation with her. He never intended to hurt the lady and has now deleted Facebook messenger from his phone.”

Norman, 39, of Elm Lane, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to stalking involving serious alarm and distress.

“This involved persistent harassment over a long period to the victim, her family and her friends,” said District Judge Mark Layton when imposing sentence.

“He knew her from many years ago, but then developed an unhealthy obsession with her. “He bombarded her, and others, with unwanted messages and this caused her considerable fear and distress.”

Norman was sentenced to 24 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months, and must carry out 20 rehabilitation requirement days and 250 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 costs. A restraining order was imposed preventing Norman from having any form of contact, both directly and indirectly, with the victim.

Crime

Dyfed-Powys Police investigating after 20mph signs damaged and stolen

Published

56 mins ago

June 29, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

2 days ago

June 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

2 days ago

June 27, 2024

Court Reporter

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.