A man who admitted possessing a concealed sword, and assaulting a man by beating has been sentenced by magistrates.
David Rees, 62, had previously admitted assaulting a man by beating him at a building plot in St Dogmaels. He also pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.
The court records state that Rees had a sword stick, a sword concealed within a walking stick, in his home.
The offences took place in St Dogmaels on September 16, 2024.
On that date locals reported armed police, dog units and a police helicopter descending on the quiet Pembrokeshire village.
That evening police said that there had been an ‘isolated incident’ that had been ‘safely resolved’.
Two police patrol cars remained in the village late into the evening to reassure members of the public.
Rees, of St Dogmaels, admitted both offences last year.
Sentencing was adjourned for a Newton hearing; this kind of hearing takes place when a defendant has entered a guilty plea but there is a disagreement with the prosecution over the material facts on which the defendant should be sentenced.
On Thursday, March 6, Rees was given a 12 month conditional discharge by magistrates at Aberystwyth Justice Centre.
This means that, if he commits another crime within a year, he could be sentenced for the first offence and the new one.
Magistrates also ordered a forfeiture and destruction order for the sword stick.
They made a restraining order to protect Rees’ victim. Rees is forbidden from contacting his victim directly or indirectly. He is also forbidden from entering or visiting a specified address in St Dogmaels.
Magistrates also ordered Rees to pay £85 court costs and a £26 victim surcharge.
