**Man Jailed After Violent Wine Bar Assault and Two High-Speed Police Chases Across Gwent**
A man from south Wales faces a lengthy prison term after a violent attack in a Blaenavon wine bar was followed by two separate high-speed pursuits with police. Callum Edwards, 24, of Coleridge Green in St Dials, Pontypool, has been sentenced to more than four years behind bars following a series of shocking incidents last year.
The initial altercation unfolded on 30 March at the Wine Cellar in Blaenavon, when Edwards launched an unprovoked assault on Alfie Watkins, who had entered the bar with a group of friends. Prosecutors told the court that Edwards punched and kicked Mr Watkins during the fracas, before grabbing a chair and swinging it at him as he lay defenceless on the floor. Bystanders looked on in horror as the violence escalated, with Edwards also smashing a glass on a table and throwing its contents at the victim.
Mr Watkins attempted to leave the bar with another man in an effort to escape the violence, but was instead dragged back inside. Further violence followed as Edwards pursued his victim behind the bar, punching and kneeing him repeatedly before delivering more blows while Mr Watkins was curled up on the ground. Members of the public eventually intervened, at which point the attack ceased.
Emergency services were called to the scene and Mr Watkins was found to have sustained significant injuries, including widespread bruising and a cut to his back near the spine. He was taken to hospital for urgent treatment. The incident left the local community shaken, with many expressing concern about violence erupting in typically peaceful social venues.
The violence, however, was not the end of Edwards’ criminal activity that evening. Later the same night, police officers observed a black Skoda Fabia travelling at excessive speed along the A4043 towards Blaenavon. When an attempt was made to pull the vehicle over, the driver—Edwards—refused to stop, initiating a dangerous 21-mile police pursuit that lasted some 21 minutes and spanned the surrounding area before ending in Cwmbran.
During the chase, Edwards was reported to have recklessly swerved onto the wrong side of a roundabout, forcing other motorists to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Police eventually deployed a stinger device, puncturing the car’s tyres and bringing it to a halt. Nevertheless, Edwards tried to run from officers, displaying clear signs of being intoxicated—with glazed eyes, unsteady footing and an overwhelming smell of alcohol. When asked to provide a breath specimen, he twice refused.
Just months later, on 18 October, Edwards again attempted to evade police, this time while driving a Volkswagen Scirocco with a broken headlight. Travelling at up to 80mph in 20mph zones and running multiple red lights near Pontypool and Abersychan, he led officers on another perilous chase. The situation only ended after police used tyre-deflation devices again, forcing Edwards to stop in Blaenavon—where he attempted to escape on foot, crossing a river before he was finally apprehended.
During sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court, Edwards admitted charges of wounding with intent, affray, two counts of dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen. The prosecution noted that although Edwards had one previous motoring conviction, the sustained nature and sheer recklessness of his latest offences placed the public in extreme danger on more than one occasion.
Defending Edwards, barrister Tabitha Walker told the court her client deeply regretted his actions, attributing his behaviour to alcohol and substance misuse issues. She said Edwards’ struggles had intensified following the death of his father from alcoholism, and indicated that he was now seeking help to address these problems.
Judge Richard Kember made clear the seriousness of the offences, sentencing Edwards to a total of 50 months in prison and disqualifying him from driving for three years. The judge remarked that only a custodial sentence was suitable, given the “alarming” level of violence and the life-threatening risk posed to other road users.
This case reminds many in the region of the unpredictable dangers posed by alcohol-fuelled violence and dangerous driving, both of which have profound consequences for victims, their families, and the wider community. The authorities have urged the public to act responsibly during nights out and to report concerning behaviour to keep these sorts of incidents at bay.