Crime

Man smashes doors to chase down mum in Tavernspite incident

Published

2 years ago

June 26, 2024

A 45-YEAR-OLD man, Ivor Poulson, from Tavernspite near Whitland, violently broke through two locked doors with a crowbar to chase down his mother after an argument, before proceeding to destroy a bathroom cabinet in front of her. The dramatic event was recounted at Swansea Crown Court, where Poulson faced charges of affray and criminal damage.

Prosecutor Matthew Murphy revealed that Poulson, who had been living with his mother, had consumed alcohol on the evening of June 2. Following an argument, Poulson threatened his mother with what was described as a wrecking bar.

In a bid to escape, the defendant’s mother retreated to her bedroom and locked the door, subsequently locking herself in the bathroom. Despite her efforts, she could hear Poulson shouting “Open the door” and banging on it, prompting her to call 999.

Murphy detailed how Poulson used the crowbar to smash a hole in the bedroom door, reaching in to unlock it. He repeated the same action with the bathroom door. Once inside, Poulson stood menacingly with a crowbar over each shoulder, questioning his mother’s actions before smashing a cabinet with one of the tools.

Police arrived swiftly and arrested Poulson, who chose to remain silent during the interrogation. “The defendant was reckless as to whether serious injury would be caused to the complainant,” Murphy asserted, highlighting Poulson’s ignorance of what lay behind the doors he was demolishing.

Poulson, with two previous convictions, pleaded guilty to both charges at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court. Judge Geraint Walters, upon reviewing the case, noted, “It’s perfectly plain from everything I have read that this defendant has profound difficulties – some of his own making, some not of his own making.”

The court was informed that Poulson had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which David Singh, in mitigation, suggested was a significant factor leading to the confrontation. Singh described the incident as an “appalling confrontation,” expressing Poulson’s deep regret over his actions towards his mother.

Judge Walters addressed Poulson directly, condemning his behaviour: “You don’t need me to tell you, but this is an appalling piece of behaviour towards your own mother. The reality here is you were going through a mental breakdown at the time.”

Poulson received a two-year community order, including 150 hours of unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and a 120-day alcohol abstinence and monitoring requirement. Judge Walters concluded, “It’s time for you to see if you can continue to salvage your relationship with your mum.”

Crime

Police standoff ends after four-hour incident in Pembroke Dock

Published

16 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ELIZABETH COURT SCENE STOOD DOWN AFTER DOMESTIC INCIDENT

A FOUR-HOUR police standoff in Pembroke Dock has ended with a 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident at Elizabeth Court has now been stood down and the scene released.

The man has been taken to hospital to receive medical attention.

Chief Inspector Dominic Jones said: “I want to thank local residents for their patience while we dealt with this incident. I understand that such a large police presence in a residential street is concerning to see, and I’m grateful to everyone who co-operated with our officers at the scene.

“I’d like to offer my reassurance that our units responded to an isolated domestic incident, and there was no further threat posed to the wider community. The scene has now been released, and we will investigate the full circumstances of this morning’s incident.”

Officers were called to the address this morning (Saturday, May 9), with a large police presence remaining in the area for several hours.

Eyewitnesses told The Herald that police were asking a man upstairs to come down, with tasers drawn during the incident.

Police dogs, specialist officers and what appeared to be a negotiator were also seen at the scene.

The incident lasted from around 11:00am until about 3:10pm.

Crime

Teen denies attempted murder of Milford Haven teacher

Published

20 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TEENAGER REMANDED AHEAD OF JULY TRIAL

A 15-YEAR-old boy has denied attempting to murder a teacher during a stabbing incident at Milford Haven School.

The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (May 8).

He pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and unlawful wounding with a knife.

The charges relate to an incident at Milford Haven School on Thursday, February 5, when emergency services were called after reports that a teacher had been assaulted by a pupil carrying a weapon.

The school was placed into lockdown and pupils were later safely evacuated.

The injured teacher was taken to hospital with stab wounds, but was discharged later the same day.

Police said at the time that specialist officers were supporting the victim and the wider school community.

The teenager was remanded in custody following Friday’s hearing.

A trial is due to begin on July 6.

Crime

Racial abuse suspect barricaded himself inside Johnston lodge

Published

3 days ago

May 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ARMED police were called to a supported accommodation building in Johnston after a man allegedly barricaded himself inside a room while behaving aggressively and racially abusing staff.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed officers were called to Silverdale Lodge at around 8:55am on Saturday (May 2) following reports of disorder involving a resident.

According to police, the man allegedly acted aggressively towards staff members and made racially abusive comments before barricading himself inside a room at the property.

The force said armed officers were deployed to ensure the safety of staff, other occupants and the man himself.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police was called to Silverdale Lodge in Johnston at approximately 8.55am on May 2 following a report of a male behaving in an aggressive manner and being racially abusive towards a member of staff.

“Officers attended the scene and the male had barricaded himself in a room.

“In order to ensure the safety of the male, staff members and other occupants of the building, armed officers attended the scene.

“The man was detained and arrested. There were no injuries to members of staff or officers reported. There is currently no ongoing threat to the public.”

Police confirmed Billy Pitman, aged 29, has been charged with racially aggravated public order offences, criminal damage and threats to cause criminal damage in connection with the incident.

Pitman was remanded into custody and appeared before Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Monday (May 4).

We will bring you the court result as we receive it.