A NIGHTCLUB manager in Pembrokeshire testified in court about a violent incident on the night of April 21, 2022, which she described as “one of the most violent” she had ever witnessed.
Cathy Walters was knocked unconscious when three men forced their way into the Saundersfoot nightclub and attacked two doormen on duty.
This week, Callum Weakley, 28, Christopher Millward, 31, and Jack Parkinson, 26, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates for sentencing after pleading guilty to affray by using threatened unlawful violence towards others.
Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson stated that the men arrived at the nightclub despite Weakley being previously banned from the premises.
“They began verbally abusing the doormen, calling them p*****,” said Ms. Jackson. “Callum Weakley pushed through the door and began attacking them. They then fell down the stairs, landing at the bottom. Although one doorman landed on his feet, he lost his balance and fell against the wall. Cathy Walters, situated at the bottom of the stairs, was knocked unconscious for a few seconds and fell backwards into the wall.”
A victim impact statement from Ms. Walters was read to the magistrates, in which she expressed her fear for her safety during the incident.
“This is the most violent incident I’ve witnessed during my time as a nightclub manager,” she said. “It wasn’t just the punches, but the viciousness and extreme language. It made me feel very frightened.”
Magistrates were shown video footage of the incident.
Parkinson, a locksmith from Raymond House, Penally, and self-employed plumber Christopher Millward, from Hil Rise, Kilgetty, were both represented by Anthony O’Connell. Mr. O’Connell described his clients as “hard-working members of society that others speak highly of,” and submitted character references for both defendants.
Callum Weakley, from Jubilee Cottages, Tenby, was represented by Tom Lloyd, who explained that the incident was triggered by the recent death of his client’s father.
“He was overwhelmed by grief, which impaired his judgment,” said Mr. Lloyd. “He has now taken tremendous steps to overcome this, and he’s ashamed of what he’s done.” Mr. Lloyd also submitted character references for his client.
After considering the mitigation, magistrates sentenced all three defendants to six months in custody, suspended for 12 months. They must each complete 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £50 compensation to each of the three victims. Additionally, each defendant was ordered to pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.
“If this hadn’t happened two years ago, the sentence might have been different,” commented the presiding magistrate. “You’ve kept out of trouble since then, and that’s why your sentence is suspended. But the level of violence shown puts it above the custody threshold.”
Source – Pembrokeshire Herald
