Cardiff man sentenced to seven months
A man from Ely was yesterday sentenced to seven months in prison after entering his ex-girlfriend’s house without consent and attacking her.
Jason Perry, 38, of Mill Road, attacked his former girlfriend of four months, Emma Melhuish, leaving her with facial injuries and damage to her property.
Father of one, Parry, told Cardiff Crown Court that he “didn’t realise that Emma was there” upon entering the house on the 9th November this year. He entered via the unlocked backdoor, and claimed he had intended to visit the girl’s father, with whom he was friendly with.
Once in the house however Parry went straight upstairs where he found Emma ironing. He shouted to the frightened girl “I told you I would see you again”. He then grabbed her by the windpipe whilst shoving his knuckles into her jaw, before throwing her to the floor and spitting in her face.
Prosecuting barrister, John Probert, also emphasised the fact that Parry had hit Melhuish’s across the head three times during the attack, before slamming it into a wall, leaving here feeling “dizzy and having difficulty breathing”.
Parry has a number of similar previous convictions - going as far back as 1989 - including slapping and grappling a woman in 2004. Defence barrister, Elizabeth Pearson, noted to the Judge that this was the last related offence that Parry had committed.
But Judge William Gaskell took no sympathy on the 38-year-old man deeming that “causing an assault on a woman, in her own house, and leaving her frightened to be left home alone” was simply unacceptable.
Parry pleaded guilty to the offence of ABH against Melhuish but denied the offence of entering the property without permission.
Gaskell returned the verdict that seven months in prison along with a three year restraining order from the Melhuish property in Ely was a fit sentence for the crime.
Jason Perry, 38, of Mill Road, attacked his former girlfriend of four months, Emma Melhuish, leaving her with facial injuries and damage to her property.
Father of one, Parry, told Cardiff Crown Court that he “didn’t realise that Emma was there” upon entering the house on the 9th November this year. He entered via the unlocked backdoor, and claimed he had intended to visit the girl’s father, with whom he was friendly with.
Once in the house however Parry went straight upstairs where he found Emma ironing. He shouted to the frightened girl “I told you I would see you again”. He then grabbed her by the windpipe whilst shoving his knuckles into her jaw, before throwing her to the floor and spitting in her face.
Prosecuting barrister, John Probert, also emphasised the fact that Parry had hit Melhuish’s across the head three times during the attack, before slamming it into a wall, leaving here feeling “dizzy and having difficulty breathing”.
Parry has a number of similar previous convictions - going as far back as 1989 - including slapping and grappling a woman in 2004. Defence barrister, Elizabeth Pearson, noted to the Judge that this was the last related offence that Parry had committed.
But Judge William Gaskell took no sympathy on the 38-year-old man deeming that “causing an assault on a woman, in her own house, and leaving her frightened to be left home alone” was simply unacceptable.
Parry pleaded guilty to the offence of ABH against Melhuish but denied the offence of entering the property without permission.
Gaskell returned the verdict that seven months in prison along with a three year restraining order from the Melhuish property in Ely was a fit sentence for the crime.
Drug possession pair sentenced
A young man and women from South Wales were yesterday sentenced to three-and-a-half-years in jail after being charged with being in possession of heroin with intent to supply.
Daniel Ross Thomas, of High Street, Maesteg and Karen Louise Amos, of Broadoak Way, Bridgend, -both with previous convictions- were caught with the class A drug in July this year.
His honour, Judge, Chris Llewellyn-Jones, QC, who was in charge of proceedings at Cardiff Crown Court, described the incident as “a classic illustration of giving drugs to disrupt lives”.
Karen Louise Amos was arrested in July this year and sent to court after a similar offence in the Bridgend town centre, after being caught with heroin tucked into her bra and conceived within her mouth.
The Judge, repeated on three separate occasions that “there are facilities available” for the couple, whose lives have been troubled throughout by drug use.
It was made clear by the Judge that they were carrying out the crime “to feed their habit” but he insisted that it was a serious crime and that he had to “send out a message” to others.
Llewellyn-Jones went on to tell the couple that “taking into conclusion your circumstances, background and what I have said and heard” that he would have to give a reasonable sentence behind bars.
He sentenced both to 42 months in prison, leaving the friends and family in the court room shocked.
The couple have already served 159 days of their sentence in custody, and with good behaviour will be out in 16 months time.
Daniel Ross Thomas, of High Street, Maesteg and Karen Louise Amos, of Broadoak Way, Bridgend, -both with previous convictions- were caught with the class A drug in July this year.
His honour, Judge, Chris Llewellyn-Jones, QC, who was in charge of proceedings at Cardiff Crown Court, described the incident as “a classic illustration of giving drugs to disrupt lives”.
Karen Louise Amos was arrested in July this year and sent to court after a similar offence in the Bridgend town centre, after being caught with heroin tucked into her bra and conceived within her mouth.
The Judge, repeated on three separate occasions that “there are facilities available” for the couple, whose lives have been troubled throughout by drug use.
It was made clear by the Judge that they were carrying out the crime “to feed their habit” but he insisted that it was a serious crime and that he had to “send out a message” to others.
Llewellyn-Jones went on to tell the couple that “taking into conclusion your circumstances, background and what I have said and heard” that he would have to give a reasonable sentence behind bars.
He sentenced both to 42 months in prison, leaving the friends and family in the court room shocked.
The couple have already served 159 days of their sentence in custody, and with good behaviour will be out in 16 months time.
Young father avoids christmas behind bars
An 18-year-old father from Llanedeyrn has escaped facing Christmas being bars after pleading guilty to using violence to enter a property.
Sean Lewis, of Round Wood, entered a house in the Llanedeyrn area in the early hours of the 28th August this year, after being heavily intoxicated.
Also present in the dock in Cardiff Crown Court was Lewis’s brother, Lynford Brewster, 24, also of Round Wood, Llanedeyrn.
Brewster was in court facing the same charge as Lewis, but was also pleading guilty to the offence of common assault after “forcefully grabbing” the hands of a female police officer in April, whilst waiting in custody on charges of a separate offence.
He moved the females hands towards his groin area in an act that left the officer “distressed and made her job far more difficult”.
Both brothers had “witnessed violence by their father against their mother” at an early age in life, claimed defence barrister Elizabeth Pearson, which had clearly led to the huge amount of convictions the brothers have to their names.
Lewis had earlier claimed that he wanted to use his experience in life in order “to be a positive role model” for his six-month-old-baby, the type of role model that he didn’t have.
Judge, William Gaskell showed no sympathy towards these claims asking: “Why was he out in the middle of the night when he has a two-month-old child?”
Also present in the court was the mother of the two brothers who handed down a letter for the Judge. Within the letter, the mother tried to sympathise with Judge Gaskell claiming that the pair simply needed “more assistance”.
Again the Judge showed no sympathy towards the brothers, whose long list of convictions range back to when they were both 14 years old.
The Judge took all that he had heard into conclusion, claiming that the brothers “can’t go a couple of minutes without causing an offence, regardless of their prison sentence”.
Sean Lewis was let off with a parent supervision order lasting 12 months, alcohol activity sessions and 200 hours of unpaid work after the Judge claiming that “the last eight months in custody have hopefully made you realise your mistakes”.
Brother Lynford Brewster wasn’t so lucky however; the Judge sentenced him to a total of 16 months in prison after convicting him for offences of common assault, burglary and using violence to enter a property, after claiming that he has “already had his opportunities.”
Sean Lewis, of Round Wood, entered a house in the Llanedeyrn area in the early hours of the 28th August this year, after being heavily intoxicated.
Also present in the dock in Cardiff Crown Court was Lewis’s brother, Lynford Brewster, 24, also of Round Wood, Llanedeyrn.
Brewster was in court facing the same charge as Lewis, but was also pleading guilty to the offence of common assault after “forcefully grabbing” the hands of a female police officer in April, whilst waiting in custody on charges of a separate offence.
He moved the females hands towards his groin area in an act that left the officer “distressed and made her job far more difficult”.
Both brothers had “witnessed violence by their father against their mother” at an early age in life, claimed defence barrister Elizabeth Pearson, which had clearly led to the huge amount of convictions the brothers have to their names.
Lewis had earlier claimed that he wanted to use his experience in life in order “to be a positive role model” for his six-month-old-baby, the type of role model that he didn’t have.
Judge, William Gaskell showed no sympathy towards these claims asking: “Why was he out in the middle of the night when he has a two-month-old child?”
Also present in the court was the mother of the two brothers who handed down a letter for the Judge. Within the letter, the mother tried to sympathise with Judge Gaskell claiming that the pair simply needed “more assistance”.
Again the Judge showed no sympathy towards the brothers, whose long list of convictions range back to when they were both 14 years old.
The Judge took all that he had heard into conclusion, claiming that the brothers “can’t go a couple of minutes without causing an offence, regardless of their prison sentence”.
Sean Lewis was let off with a parent supervision order lasting 12 months, alcohol activity sessions and 200 hours of unpaid work after the Judge claiming that “the last eight months in custody have hopefully made you realise your mistakes”.
Brother Lynford Brewster wasn’t so lucky however; the Judge sentenced him to a total of 16 months in prison after convicting him for offences of common assault, burglary and using violence to enter a property, after claiming that he has “already had his opportunities.”
Young father found guilty of assault on ex-girlfriend
A 20-year-old father has been found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend - after breaking into her house.
Lee Morgan of Deere Place, Ely, Cardiff, was also found guilty of criminal damage when he appeared at Cardiff Magistrates Court.
Morgan forced entry to the home of his then girlfriend, Kaylie Gribbel.
Morgan, who was staying at the house, kicked down the panels from the front door - an offence which he admitted to.
The court also heard how Morgan and Gribbel had been arguing outside Kiwis nightclub in Cardiff City Centre earlier that night. The conflict arose when Gribbel accused Morgan of cheating on her with another girl.
Morgan later returned to the property in North Ely in which he and Gribbel had been staying in. Moments after entering the house, Gribbel returned to see Morgan inside.
Gribbel said: "He grabbed me, dragged me out of the house and punched me in the face four times"
Morgan denied this saying: "I know I didn't punch her, I was quite drunk but I knew what I was doing.
He continued: "I was just putting my hands in front of her to push her out of the way, but I must have used too much force."
Defence Solicitor, Cerri Bridge said: "Kaylie followed him and didn't want him to leave the home.
"She hit, slapped, kicked and spat at him."
Kaylie Gribbel, mother of a two-year-old baby, later attended hospital complaining of pains to her jaw and further swelling to the face. This accusation was denied by the defendant and The Crown produced no medical evidence.
Gribbel admitted to antagonising the situation by sending Morgan 67 texts in one afternoon. Including a text on the day of the trial, which wished Morgan a "Happy Valentines" and "Good luck for the case ahead."
The Chairman of the Bench, said: "The force was excessive and therefore we find you, Lee Morgan, guilty of assault.
The Magistrate went on: "There was no lasting damage to the door, but damage none-the-less, we therefore find you guilty of both charges."
Morgan has been told he can have no contact with Kaylie Gribbel and that child arrangements should be dealt with through a third party.
The case has been adjourned to March 7th when Morgan will be sentenced.
Lee Morgan of Deere Place, Ely, Cardiff, was also found guilty of criminal damage when he appeared at Cardiff Magistrates Court.
Morgan forced entry to the home of his then girlfriend, Kaylie Gribbel.
Morgan, who was staying at the house, kicked down the panels from the front door - an offence which he admitted to.
The court also heard how Morgan and Gribbel had been arguing outside Kiwis nightclub in Cardiff City Centre earlier that night. The conflict arose when Gribbel accused Morgan of cheating on her with another girl.
Morgan later returned to the property in North Ely in which he and Gribbel had been staying in. Moments after entering the house, Gribbel returned to see Morgan inside.
Gribbel said: "He grabbed me, dragged me out of the house and punched me in the face four times"
Morgan denied this saying: "I know I didn't punch her, I was quite drunk but I knew what I was doing.
He continued: "I was just putting my hands in front of her to push her out of the way, but I must have used too much force."
Defence Solicitor, Cerri Bridge said: "Kaylie followed him and didn't want him to leave the home.
"She hit, slapped, kicked and spat at him."
Kaylie Gribbel, mother of a two-year-old baby, later attended hospital complaining of pains to her jaw and further swelling to the face. This accusation was denied by the defendant and The Crown produced no medical evidence.
Gribbel admitted to antagonising the situation by sending Morgan 67 texts in one afternoon. Including a text on the day of the trial, which wished Morgan a "Happy Valentines" and "Good luck for the case ahead."
The Chairman of the Bench, said: "The force was excessive and therefore we find you, Lee Morgan, guilty of assault.
The Magistrate went on: "There was no lasting damage to the door, but damage none-the-less, we therefore find you guilty of both charges."
Morgan has been told he can have no contact with Kaylie Gribbel and that child arrangements should be dealt with through a third party.
The case has been adjourned to March 7th when Morgan will be sentenced.
Pontyclun man fined after HARASSING ex-girlfriend
A man from Pontyclun yesterday received a fine as well as picking up seven penalty points on his licence - after an argument with his ex-girlfriend.
Daniel Prance, 21, of Danbryn Road, was handed the points after harassing an ex-girlfriend which included tail-gating her along Newport Road, Cardiff.
Prance also received a Custodial Sentence of 120 hours community service, a £115 fine and continuation of a restraining order which was initially put in place in May, 2010.
Daniel Prance, 21, of Danbryn Road, was handed the points after harassing an ex-girlfriend which included tail-gating her along Newport Road, Cardiff.
Prance also received a Custodial Sentence of 120 hours community service, a £115 fine and continuation of a restraining order which was initially put in place in May, 2010.
Newport man faces three separate charges
A man from Newport faces separate charges of common assault, trespass and criminal damage after a drunken night out with friends ended in a jealous rage.
Steven Stinchombe, 43, of Willow Court, Newport, was said to have entered the property of his ex-girlfriend in the early hours of 16 September 2011.
The case at Cardiff Crown Court heard how Stinchombe – who suffers from depression – had tried to enter the house despite the homeowner rejecting his previous calls.
Speaking to the court, Stinchombe said: “I was out having a couple of pints. I called her and couldn’t get an answer, so I threw an apple at the window to try and get her attention.
“Once in the house she begged me to stay, but I headed to the door”
Stinchombe continued, telling of how at the time he felt there was no trouble: “She gave me a kiss, everything was fine. I locked her out of the house as a bit of a laugh and a joke, at which point her daughter came down the stairs crying so I threw her keys into the garden and left.”
After leaving the property, Stinchombe headed towards the home his ex-girlfriends current partner, Mark Hughes, 40, whom he was said to be jealous of. Stinchombe is alleged to have then smashed Hughes’ new car which was parked outside the property.
Prosecutor, John Probert, read out to the court a statement on behalf of the claimant: “We were sat watching TV and heard a big band, we saw Steve walk into the garden with a hammer in his right hand. The car was damaged and it was clear from the way he was shouting that he was very drunk.
As Hughes went to investigate the commotion outside his house, it is claimed that Stinchombe walked towards him shouting expletives, becoming increasingly more frustrated. Probert continues telling of how Stinchombe allegedly shouted: “Let me see you, I’ll rip your f****ng head off!”
Hughes cautiously approached Stinchombe, trying to defuse the situation, but was allegedly hit two times in the face. Hughes is said to have stumbled, but didn’t retaliate in any way.
Blood was later found on the smashed car which came back as a positive match to that of Stinchombe, the chances of the blood belonging to someone else were around “one in a billion”, the jury was told.
Stinchombe - who also regularly takes steroids - claims that the blood found on the silver Vauxhall Astra was there as a result of an incident which took place the morning after the alleged offence, in which the defendant was walking his dog when a piece of glass got lodged in its paw.
Stinchombe removed the glass from the dog, but as a result cut his finger, which he says he ended up flicking onto the body of the car.
Asked by Detective Louise Ellis of Gwent Police, who was reading out an extract from the police interview which took place following the incident, Stinchombe was questioned on why one of his hammers was found on the lawn of the property in Willow Court.
Stinchombe replied: “My son used one of my old hammers, he’s been building tree houses – he is a sensible boy and I fully trust him with it. He must have left it there.”
Judge David Wynn Morgan went on to tell the jury of Stinchombe’s previous convictions, which includes criminal damage and assaulting a former girlfriend, as well as her current partner of the time.
Stinchombe denies all charges. The case will conclude next week.
[Case continues]
Steven Stinchombe, 43, of Willow Court, Newport, was said to have entered the property of his ex-girlfriend in the early hours of 16 September 2011.
The case at Cardiff Crown Court heard how Stinchombe – who suffers from depression – had tried to enter the house despite the homeowner rejecting his previous calls.
Speaking to the court, Stinchombe said: “I was out having a couple of pints. I called her and couldn’t get an answer, so I threw an apple at the window to try and get her attention.
“Once in the house she begged me to stay, but I headed to the door”
Stinchombe continued, telling of how at the time he felt there was no trouble: “She gave me a kiss, everything was fine. I locked her out of the house as a bit of a laugh and a joke, at which point her daughter came down the stairs crying so I threw her keys into the garden and left.”
After leaving the property, Stinchombe headed towards the home his ex-girlfriends current partner, Mark Hughes, 40, whom he was said to be jealous of. Stinchombe is alleged to have then smashed Hughes’ new car which was parked outside the property.
Prosecutor, John Probert, read out to the court a statement on behalf of the claimant: “We were sat watching TV and heard a big band, we saw Steve walk into the garden with a hammer in his right hand. The car was damaged and it was clear from the way he was shouting that he was very drunk.
As Hughes went to investigate the commotion outside his house, it is claimed that Stinchombe walked towards him shouting expletives, becoming increasingly more frustrated. Probert continues telling of how Stinchombe allegedly shouted: “Let me see you, I’ll rip your f****ng head off!”
Hughes cautiously approached Stinchombe, trying to defuse the situation, but was allegedly hit two times in the face. Hughes is said to have stumbled, but didn’t retaliate in any way.
Blood was later found on the smashed car which came back as a positive match to that of Stinchombe, the chances of the blood belonging to someone else were around “one in a billion”, the jury was told.
Stinchombe - who also regularly takes steroids - claims that the blood found on the silver Vauxhall Astra was there as a result of an incident which took place the morning after the alleged offence, in which the defendant was walking his dog when a piece of glass got lodged in its paw.
Stinchombe removed the glass from the dog, but as a result cut his finger, which he says he ended up flicking onto the body of the car.
Asked by Detective Louise Ellis of Gwent Police, who was reading out an extract from the police interview which took place following the incident, Stinchombe was questioned on why one of his hammers was found on the lawn of the property in Willow Court.
Stinchombe replied: “My son used one of my old hammers, he’s been building tree houses – he is a sensible boy and I fully trust him with it. He must have left it there.”
Judge David Wynn Morgan went on to tell the jury of Stinchombe’s previous convictions, which includes criminal damage and assaulting a former girlfriend, as well as her current partner of the time.
Stinchombe denies all charges. The case will conclude next week.
[Case continues]