Crime

Brothers sentenced for assaulting ‘Eddies’ nightclub worker

Published

6 months ago

June 25, 2024

TWO Haverfordwest brothers who assaulted an Eddies Rock nightclub employee were ‘taking out the sins of his brother’, a court heard this week.

Joshua and Kyle Hamer launched their attack on nightclub worker Alex Clancey at around midnight on December 16.

But according to the brothers’ solicitor, the Hamers carried out the assault after being told that their father had been attacked in the town’s Castle Square earlier that evening by Mr Clancey’s brother.

“They’d been out that evening but so, too, had their father who had been assaulted in Castle Square,” said solicitor David James who represented both brothers, who reside at Haroldstone Close, Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest.

“[The father] was assaulted by Alex Clancey’s brother that rendered him unconscious, so tensions were running high..

“When Josh and Kyle saw Alex, they obviously took it out on him. This was the wrong thing to do and they now acknowledge that they should not have taken out the sins of the brother on another brother.”

Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker informed the magistrates that Alex Clancey has been employed at the Eddies Rock Nightclub for the past seven years,

“He’d started his shift at around 10.20pm that evening, and at approximately midnight, he was asked to cross to Eddie’s other business – Labyrinth – to collect some glasses and bring them back to the club,” she said.

“As he was walking across the road he heard several males shouting at him. He knew who they were. He was approached by the defendants and was pushed towards an old building that’s situated next door to Eddies, and within a couple of seconds, Kyle ran towards him and punched him to the left eye. As a result, he was in pain.

“This was a totally unprovoked attack.”

Meanwhile solicitor David James said that both brothers have ‘a strong worth ethic’. Joshua Hamer is employed as a tree surgeon for a local company while Kyle works for an industrial mechanical engineering company based in Thornton, Milford Haven.

Both brothers pleaded guilty to joint charges of assault by beating

Kyle Hamer, 26, was fined £884 and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the victim. He must also pay £85 court costs and a £354 surcharge. Joshua Hamer, 23, was fined £730 and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the victim, £85 costs and a £292 surcharge.

Crime

Soldier caught drink-driving nearly three times over the limit

Published

22 hours ago

December 17, 2024

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A SERVING soldier has admitted driving when he was almost three times over the legal drink-drive limit.

Alfred Kempton, 26, was observed by officers ‘swerving all over the road’ as he drove a white Renault Kangoo at Pelcomb Bridge, Haverfordwest, just after 10:30pm on November 30.

When officers stopped the vehicle, they discovered Kempton’s eyes were glazed and there was a strong smell of alcohol. A roadside breath test proved positive, and subsequent tests at the police station revealed he had 102 mcg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Crown Prosecutor Nia James described the reading as “very high.”

Kempton’s solicitor, David Williams, urged magistrates to refrain from imposing a community order, warning that it would result in Kempton’s dismissal from the army.

“He is one of only four people in his entire squadron with expertise in electronic warfare and signal intelligence,” said Mr Williams, adding that Kempton’s position was supported by two senior army officers who attended court.

Magistrates fined Kempton £1,141, ordered him to pay a £456 court surcharge and £85 costs, and disqualified him from driving for 24 months.

“This is a very high reading, and if it happens again, you will not be so lucky,” said the presiding magistrate. “You are now classified as a high-risk offender.”

Crime

Man jailed for stalking ex-partner with unwanted letters

Published

22 hours ago

December 17, 2024

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN who repeatedly contacted his ex-partner, despite being told their relationship was over, has been sentenced for stalking.

John McMichael, 36, pleaded guilty before Haverfordwest magistrates to stalking his ex-partner over a six-month period.

Crown Prosecutor Nia James told the court that McMichael’s relationship with his ex ended in February due to violent behaviour and substance abuse issues.

Despite being told not to contact her, McMichael sent handwritten letters to her from prison between May and November. In a victim impact statement, the woman said: “Knowing that he is out is really frightening me… I just want him to leave me alone.”

McMichael’s solicitor, Jess Hill, argued the letters were not threatening but admitted his actions caused distress.

Magistrates sentenced McMichael to a 24-month Community Order with 30 rehabilitation activity days and 150 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs. A two-year restraining order was imposed, prohibiting him from any direct or indirect contact with his ex-partner.

Crime

Shoplifting spree after job loss lands father of five in court

Published

22 hours ago

December 17, 2024

Sarah Jane Absalom

A FORMER chef who resorted to stealing food and alcohol after losing his job has been sentenced.

Ashley Mardon, of The Inbetween Guest House, Pembroke Dock, admitted to five counts of theft from September to December.

Mardon, a father of five, stole items including alcohol, food, and groceries from stores in Haverfordwest, Pembroke, and Pembroke Dock, with the total value reaching £88.02. His solicitor, Mike Kelleher, said Mardon’s offences were driven by unemployment, homelessness, and alcohol problems.

Magistrates sentenced Mardon to a 24-month Community Order, including 20 rehabilitation activity days, 200 hours of unpaid work, and a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. He must also pay £85 court costs, a £114 surcharge, and compensation for the stolen items.