A dramatic scene unfolded in Pembrokeshire when a former serviceman pulled a knife on wheel clampers arriving to enforce an order for unpaid council tax. The early morning confrontation saw Simon Coll, who lives in Castlemorris, lash out at the officers, prompting them to hastily retreat. As they were clamping his vehicle, Coll emerged brandishing a large knife and issued a menacing challenge: “Do you want some?”
Not stopping there, Coll rampaged further, using what appeared to be a rock or log to smash a van’s window before kicking it. Officers, understandably shaken, fled the scene to call for police backup. When authorities arrived, they had to scale a locked gate to apprehend the obstructive Coll.
During questioning, the 59-year-old claimed he was disturbed by noise and believed his actions were an act of self-defence, not recognising the visitors as enforcement officers until later. Notably, this isn’t his first brush with dramatic altercations, having previous convictions for ramming a fishboat in a lobster pot dispute.
In Swansea Crown Court, Judge Mark Powell KC condemned Coll’s behaviour as “disgraceful,” emphasising the risky situation his aggression created. Recapping his military past, the judge acknowledged the potential stressors Coll might face, especially with unannounced visitors at dawn.
Ultimately, Coll admitted to affray and criminal damage, receiving an 18-month suspended sentence, coupled with a fine and mandated rehabilitation. This tale serves as a stark reminder of how simmering tensions can dangerously escalate. #PembrokeshireNews #CrimeReport