Aaron Boucher and Joshua Southwell jailed for affray, weapon possession and assaulting police in Cwmbran attack.
Possessing an offensive weapon in public was also a charge, and they already admitted they were guilty. Police stopped a fight in Cwmbran Shopping Centre after hearing it from inside their station. Four men ran when they saw the police arrive.
Southwell had a big cut, and police cuffed him and Boucher. Both went to the hospital for treatment. The officers said they seemed agitated and jumpy. At first, the pair pretended they were victims. It turned out they started the attack.
CCTV showed them chasing people with a metal pole. Six men fought in the shopping center back on March 18, 2023. The prosecutor showed the court the video, displaying them with the pole.
When Southwell got arrested, he got angry and yelled at the officers. They had to restrain him. He called them names and spat at one. The officer said he doesn’t deserve that abuse and called the act cowardly.
Southwell got six months for his actions and must pay £154. He’s already serving 21 months for dangerous driving. Boucher got sentenced at the same time, but his charges were not related to Southwell. He committed burglaries in September and October 2024.
Boucher broke into houses on Nantgarw Road. He stole house and car keys, as well as tools and car parts. Police caught him with cannabis after he was arrested. He acted aggressive, so they called for backup.
At the station, he kicked an officer and threatened to bite and spit at another. Boucher committed these crimes while on community order, which was for past offenses. His lawyer said Boucher struggled with substance abuse, using alcohol and Valium, and that he’s homeless.
The lawyer said Boucher had a difficult childhood, with domestic abuse and drug misuse disrupting his family. Furthermore, he was abused while in care, and his dad died in a car crash, which hurt him. Drugs took away any good influences.
The judge sentenced Boucher to 21 months in prison. He also must pay a surcharge of £187. Both guys will serve 40% of their sentences before being released on license.