Judge halts hearing after victim statement reveals ongoing facial injuries
A MAN who admitted causing serious injuries to a woman outside a Milford Haven bar has had his sentencing postponed after a judge ordered further medical evidence to be obtained.
Ben Jenkins, aged 27, of St Lawrence Avenue, Hakin, appeared before Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Feb 16) for sentencing after being found guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to a female motorist outside the Nos Da Bar on Victoria Road, Milford Haven, on Guy Fawkes Night, November 5, 2023.
The court heard the case had been listed for sentence, but proceedings were halted part-way through the prosecution’s reading of the victim personal statement when new details emerged about the ongoing impact of the injuries.
Prosecutors told the court that the victim continues to suffer significant facial deformity more than two years after the incident, including a swollen cheek, an altered smile, and the presence of a bone fragment lodged within her sinus cavity.
At that stage, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC intervened and directed that updated medical reports must be obtained before the court could properly assess the seriousness of the injuries and determine an appropriate sentence.
The victim’s statement described the profound physical and psychological consequences of the assault. She told the court that her confidence had been shattered and that her “world has become small”, with day-to-day life affected by pain, anxiety, and ongoing medical uncertainty.
Judge Thomas said the court required further clarification on the permanence and long-term prognosis of the injuries before sentence could be passed. He also made clear his concern about the defendant’s attitude.
“Ben Jenkins still shows no remorse whatsoever,” the judge remarked, indicating this would be a relevant factor when sentencing eventually takes place.
The hearing was adjourned to allow medical evidence to be obtained, and the case will now return to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing on April 17.
Jenkins remains on bail pending the next hearing.
