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THE WALES AIR AMBULANCE has been sent to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this morning after a man who had admitted a sexual assault used a weapon to ‘cut his own throat’ (Jan 11)
The court room was immediately cleared after the incident involving Lukasz Robert Pawlowski originally from Katowice, Poland.
An ambulance attended the scene and paramedics gave first aid treatment to the 33-year-old defendant in the dock. The defendant lost consciousness, and also lost blood in the incident. A Wales Ambulance Service spokesman described Pawlowski’s injuries to reporters as “serious”.
It is not clear where and how Pawlowski obtained the weapon. The court complex has airport-style security scanners and security guards in place at both entrances.
The man had admitted sexual assault by way of grabbing and kissing a shop assistant.
A spokesman for the Welsh Ambulance Service told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “We were called at 10.20am to reports of an incident at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court.
“Two crews in emergency ambulances and ambulance officer are currently at the scene.”
An HM Courts and Tribunal spokesman told The Herald: “A man has been taken to hospital following an incident at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 11 January. There were no injuries to staff or other court users.
“There is an ongoing police investigation so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”
Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb tweeted his concern at the events, saying: “Disturbing news. No one should be in a position to harm themselves or others in a court room.”
Mid and West AM Simon Thomas has written to the Ministry of Justice asking what steps the Westminster government is taking to improve safety
Mr. Thomas said in a press release: “I’ve written to the Ministry of Justice regarding the disturbing incident today at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court in Pembrokeshire.
“I find it astonishing that a defendant at a secure court could get access to a potentially lethal weapon. This severe lapse in security could have led to a loss of his life and endangered others in the court.
“There are clear lessons here also for the prevention of terrorism.
“I’ve demanded that steps are taken in response to this incident to ensure safety at Haverfordwest and other courts in Wales. I’ve asked what security improvements will be made.”
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said told The Herald: “Officers attended and found an injured man at the scene, who was receiving treatment by paramedics.
“He has been conveyed to Morriston Hospital by air ambulance. The extent of his injuries are unknown at this time. The court has been closed in order for inquiries to take place.
“Police are not looking to speak to anyone else in connection with this incident at this time.”
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