Port Talbot Man Jailed for Contempt of Court After Trying to Arrest Trial Judge

A Port Talbot man has been jailed for contempt after a bizarre series of events at Swansea Magistrates' Court.

Daniel Hughes, 37, of Welfare Avenue, Bryn, Port Talbot, was sentenced to 28 days in custody after an outburst that saw him clamber onto the bench in an attempt to arrest District Judge Neale Thomas.

Hughes had originally appeared on trial having previously denied a charge of assault by beating.

However, proceedings were interrupted when the irate defendant, who is a qualified electrician, leapt across the courtroom and towards Judge Thomas, telling him that he didn't recognise the authority of the court.

Security staff wrestled Hughes to the floor and he was taken to the cells. He refused to return to the courtroom, so the trial proceeded in his absence.

Giving evidence, Neath Port Talbot council enforcement officer, Kyle Gasson, told the court that he had attended Hughes' home in July in relation to an unpaid parking fine.

Mr Gasson said: "I instantly knew the type of person I was dealing with. You are not there to be assaulted but it looked like it was going down that route.

"I asked if he was threatening me and he said: 'Damn right I am making threats'. I am not there to be assaulted but you try not to get to that stage. I do not want to be rolling around on the floor."

The court heard that Hughes had jacked up the vehicle in a bid to escape the clamp. Mr Gasson was attempting to clamp a second wheel when Hughes grabbed him by the scruff of the neck leaving red marks.

Hughes was convicted of assault by beating. He will be sentenced for that offence next week.

We have previously written about the powers available for dealing with misbehaviour in the Magistrates' Court.