Crime

Pembrokeshire man threatened to headbutt wheelchair bound wife

Published

2 weeks ago

June 19, 2024

A 52-YEAR-OLD Pembroke man has appeared before a district judge after threatening to headbutt his wheelchair-bound wife.

“Your wife is wheelchair bound and yet you made threats to headbutt her,” commented District Judge Mark Layton when imposing sentence against Edward Smith this week. “It must have been a very difficult and frightening experience for her.”

The court was told that in the early hours of May 25, Smith returned to the marital property in Adams Road, Monkton, after spending the day drinking alcohol in local pubs.

“The couple married in September last year but their relationship has been described as toxic,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Judge Layton who was sitting in Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday.

“When he drinks, he’s horrible, explosive and abusive.”

Mrs Smith was woken in the early hours of the morning, as her husband arrived home.

“She believed he was drunk, as he’d been out drinking all day,” said Ms Jackson.

“He became increasingly irate, shouting at her and being aggressive. He then walked around to his side of the bed and lay down. But he immediately got up, lunged on top of Mrs Smith and strangled her. He also squeezed her hand really hard.”

Smith then proceeded to remove his wife’s phone from her hand.

“He refused to return it and once again he jumped on her.”

Mrs Smith, who suffers from a number of undisclosed physical disabilities, managed to get out of bed but the defendant proceeded to stand directly beside her wheelchair saying “I could easily headbutt you.”

The following day police officers discovered Smith driving his vehicle along The Parade, in Pembroke.

“Officers were trying to locate his vehicle and when they stopped him they carried out a roadside breath test which proved positive,” said Ms Jackson.

Further breath tests showed Smith had 62 mcg of alcohol in his system. The prescribed legal limit is 35.

Smith, who currently resides at the Old King’s Arms, Main Street, Pembroke, pleaded guilty to charges of assault by beating and drink-driving.

He was represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher.

“This is very difficult for my client as he’s been living in a hotel since the incident although he acknowledges that his behaviour was totally unacceptable,” he said.

“His daughter has been acting as a go-between since the incident, and there’s every chance of a reconciliation.”

Smith was sentenced to a 12-month community order during which he must carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was made subject to an alcohol monitoring tag for 90 days.

He must also pay £100 compensation to the victim, £85 court costs and a £114 surcharge. He was disqualified from driving for 18 months.

Crime

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

Published

50 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.