Welshmen make cut for Team GB
A man who spent nearly three hours standing knee deep in water at a Gwynedd harbour during a police stand-off has been jailed.
Toby Humphreys, 25, of Pensylflog, Porthmadog, sparked a large police response after walking into the water at Pwllheli Harbour on August 1 shortly before 7pm.
He was heard shouting and screaming at police officers during the incident, magistrates at Caernarfon were told.
Rhian Jackson, prosecuting, said a police negotiator was drafted in and the Pwllheli inshore lifeboat launched in case Humphreys harmed himself as he was threatening to do.
She said during the incident he took his t-shirt and trainers off and threw them into the mud.
“He walked about 50 metres into the harbour and refused police requests to return to the shore. He then walked further into the harbour and refused to engage with officers and the RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched,” added Ms Jackson.
At about 9pm he got into the lifeboat and was taken to the RNLI station ALL-WELSH team will represent Great Britain at next month’s Stihl Timbersports World Championships in Liverpool.
Led by four-times British champion Elgan Pugh, from Bala, the GB team will be competing for the first time on home soil.
“Home advantage can play a crucial part,” said Elgan.
“It will feel incredibly special walking out in front of a sell-out crowd in Liverpool.”
Joining him at the Echo Arena on October 19-20, will be fellow Welshmen Glen Penlington, David Thomas and Andrew Evans. Craig Golder, also from Wales, is on standby as a reserve team member.
The world championship will see the best athletes from more than 20 nations test themselves in disciplines inspired by the logging industry. where he was checked by paramedics.
“Emerging from the building he again made for the water and was spoken to by his brother who tried to reason with him,” the prosecutor said.
When police arrested Humphreys he struggled and bit one officer on the hand. He was restrained and taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor because of fears for his mental health.
Appearing via videolink from custody Humphreys admitted two public order offences and assaulting a police officer. He also admitted the theft of a bottle of wine from Home Bargains earlier that evening.
Humphreys also admitted taking part in an assault on a man at Penrhos near Pwllheli on April 28. The victim had been punched and kicked repeatedly. The court heard another man had denied the offence and was due to stand trial.
He was jailed for 12 weeks for assaulting the police officer and a further 12 weeks for assaulting the man at Penrhos. Both terms to be served consecutively. He was ordered to pay the officer and the victim of assault £115 in compensation.
The Welsh hopefuls will take part in the team event on Friday, October 19. The following day Elgan will take his place in the individual event as the world’s top 12 athletes compete against each other in six disciplines.
Elgan, who last month defended his British title, automatically qualified for the team, while Glen, from Knighton, is a surviving member of the 2017 team.
Taking the third spot is former Royal Marine commando Andrew “Taff” Evans, Bethesda, who has years of experience as a competitor and trainer.
Team newcomer Dave Thomas earned his place after smashing personal bests in five out of the six disciplines at this year’s British championships.
Andrew can’t wait. “I have been in the team since 2007 and captain for the last three years, so to make the team on home turf was a must!”
Last year’s individual winner Jason Wynyard and team winners New Zealand will be hoping to retain their titles.
The GB team is aiming to be the top European team. ■ Tickets start from £22.25 for one night, or £38.50 for both nights.