#ravenhill — Public Fediverse posts

SWANSEA: Five jailed after street brawl saw family arm themselves with nail-studded plank in revenge attack

Swansea Crown Court heard that the background to the violence was a belief on the part of brothers Adam Miller and Kristian Thomas that Corey Jenkins was involved in drug dealing in the Ravenhill area of Swansea.

On 6 June, the pair acted on that belief by taking golf clubs to the Jenkins family home on Rhodfa’r Brain, where they smashed a number of downstairs windows before walking to the nearby home of a relative, David Dallimore.

In response, four members of the Jenkins family — Paul, Christopher, Corey and Lisa Jenkins — armed themselves with weapons and made their way to Mr Dallimore’s address, where the confrontation spilled into the street.

The disturbance was captured on CCTV and mobile phone footage. Corey Jenkins was seen wielding a plank of wood studded with nails and a metal pole, Paul Jenkins had a hammer, and Christopher and Lisa Jenkins were armed with sticks.

During the melee, Thomas struck neighbour Kirsty Choi on the head with a metal pole as she tried to help an injured member of the Jenkins family nearby.

Judge Catherine Richards said that while Miller and Thomas had sparked the incident by taking the law into their own hands and attacking the Jenkins home, the Jenkins family had then armed themselves and engaged in an act of “vigilantism” without regard for the impact on the wider community or the fear caused to fellow residents.

The judge’s remarks underlined the serious impact the disorder had on innocent people in the area. Residents who had no connection to either party were left to witness a large-scale armed confrontation on their street, with the judge making clear that the Jenkins family’s decision to arm themselves and pursue retribution had significantly aggravated the situation.

Paul Jenkins, 64, Christopher Paul Jenkins, 45, Corey Jenkins, 23, and Lisa Dawn Jenkins, 45, all of Rhodfa’r Brain, Ravenhill, had previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon. Paul and Christopher Jenkins have previous convictions; Corey and Lisa Jenkins had been of previously good character.

Kristian Dale Thomas, 39, of Tudno Place, Penlan, had pleaded guilty to criminal damage and was convicted at trial of the unlawful wounding of Miss Choi. He was described as having an extensive record including possession of offensive weapons, affray, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and handling stolen goods.

Adam Miller, 34, also of Tudno Place, Penlan, had pleaded guilty to criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon. He too was described as having an extensive record including affray, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, arson and criminal damage. Both men were acquitted at trial of violent disorder in relation to the Rhodfa’r Brain incident. Mr Dallimore was also found not guilty.

With discounts for their guilty pleas, Paul Jenkins and Christopher Jenkins were both sentenced to 18 months in prison, and Corey Jenkins to 22 months. Lisa Jenkins received an 18-month sentence suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and abide by a nightly curfew for two months.

Miller was sentenced to nine months in prison. Thomas, whose conviction at trial for the wounding of Miss Choi added significantly to his sentence, received 26 months in prison.

Those given immediate custodial sentences will serve 40% of their terms behind bars before being released on licence to complete the remainder in the community. The case was prosecuted following a police investigation into the disorder, which had been captured in detail on CCTV and mobile phone footage recovered from the scene.

HEARTBREAK: Swansea man banned for life after ‘threats to kill’ his own dog

52-year-old Andrew Matthews from Ravenhill was sentenced at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on February 24 after pleading guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The “extremely lame” dog, a tan and black crossbreed named Lola, was found to be suffering from severe swelling in her front legs, with her owner admitting he hadn’t taken her to a vet in seven years.

Neighbors raised the alarm after reporting that Matthews had behaved “aggressively” towards the animal at his home last July.

Witnesses told the court they heard “smacking sounds” followed by the heartbreaking cries of a dog, with Matthews even heard making “threats to kill” the animal.

When RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Paula Milton arrived with police, she found Lola was unable to bear any weight on her right front leg due to “significant swelling” on the wrist.

A vet who examined Lola found both her wrists were affected by degenerative joint disease, with multiple scars over her muzzle, elbow, and wrists.

X-rays showed bony changes around the dog’s right wrist joint which indicated an ongoing arthritis-related issue that would have taken “weeks to months” to reach that stage.

Despite being put on an extensive course of three different pain relief medications by the RSPCA, Lola was still unable to bear weight on her legs more than a month later.

Vets eventually made the “kindest” decision to put the dog to sleep, ruling that she would never be able to lead a life free from pain or fulfill her physical needs.

The court heard that Matthews struggled with alcoholism and was drunk at the time of the incident, with his defence stating he was remorseful for his actions.

As well as the lifetime ban, Matthews was handed a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to undertake an alcohol treatment programme and 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days.

RSPCA Inspector Gemma Cooper slammed the neglect, stating: “Poor Lola’s lameness was obvious and was prolonged, but the defendant failed to get her seen by a vet.”

Matthews was also ordered to pay court costs of £400 following the prosecution by the animal charity.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Crufts Best in Show winner on list of 67 breeds campaigners say could be banned
A growing row over breed rules sparks fresh questions for dog owners.

Rescued seal pup “Elvis” returns to the wild
A months‑long rehab ends with a splash as the young seal heads home.

Could you fall in love with a rescue pet this Dydd Santes Dwynwen?
Local shelters hope a Welsh day of love brings new beginnings for abandoned animals.

Llandysul man admits part in illegal dog‑breeding racket
A court case exposes the scale of an underground breeding operation.

Investigation launched into concerns over treatment of dogs at Welsh rescue charity
Officials step in after serious welfare allegations surface at a well‑known centre.

More pet stories
The latest updates on animals, welfare and wildlife across our region.

If it was a cross border collaboration, you could use #Windsor Park 18500 (football) and #Ravenhill 18900 (#Ulster Rugby).