Defendant accused of confronting man connected to criminal case
A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been sent to the Crown Court after appearing before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with intimidating a witness connected to a criminal investigation.
Justin Griffiths, aged 41, of Brynhaul Street, Llanelli, appeared before magistrates on Thursday (Mar 5) accused of attempting to interfere with the course of justice.
The court heard that the alleged incident took place on February 10 this year in Llanelli.
Prosecutors allege that Griffiths approached and verbally confronted a man whom he knew to be a witness in an ongoing criminal matter. It is claimed that his behaviour was intended to intimidate the individual and discourage them from assisting the police investigation.
The charge states that Griffiths intimidated a witness in order to obstruct, pervert or interfere with the course of justice, contrary to the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
Witness intimidation offences are treated particularly seriously by the courts because they can undermine the integrity of criminal proceedings and discourage victims or witnesses from coming forward.
Magistrates were told that because of the nature of the allegation and the potential seriousness of the offence, the case was unsuitable for summary trial.
The court therefore sent Griffiths to Swansea Crown Court, where the case will proceed.
He was granted bail ahead of his next appearance at the Crown Court
