Restraining order breached with accidental Skype call
A SWANSEA man will be sentenced next month for breaching a restraining order against contacting his ex-wife after he “accidentally” made a 20 minute Skype call to her.
Malcolm Green, of Morris Street, Morriston, pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court to breaching the order which was imposed on him at Swansea Crown Court on July 6.
The restraining order was made following a conviction of actual bodily harm which resulted in an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
Defence solicitor Andrew Isaac argued Green, 49, had “accidentally called his ex-wife on Skype” on November 26.
Mr Isaac said the call lasted 20 minutes but Green didn’t speak as he hadn’t realised the call was being made.
Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told magistrates: “The defendant is prohibited from contacting his ex-wife directly or in directly, by the restraining order issued on July 6 at Swansea Crown Court.
“On November 26 a call was made and she recognised the number and that it was prohibited for him to call her. There was nothing said on the call by the defendant and she said hello twice.”
Mr Isaac in defence added: “He accidentally called his ex-wife on Skype, it is a minor breach of the order and was the last contact in any event.”
Magistrates declined jurisdiction and said the matter should be sentenced at crown court, where the restraining order was first imposed.
Green will be sentenced on January 11 at Swansea Crown Court. He was granted conditional bail. NEATH RFC have seen mass departures from their management team after head coach Simon King quit the crisis-ridden club on Saturday.
King walked out less than 24 hours after his side were trounced 69-12 at the Gnoll by Llanelli on Friday.
The home team was made up of largely permit players following a mass exodus in the wake of crippling financial problems and non-payment of staff.
And he’s now been joined through the Gnoll exit door by four more of his back-room team including assistant coaches Paul James, Paul Williams and team manager Neil White.
Wales, Ospreys and Bath prop James was brought in during the summer to help look after the forwards while Williams was already on board at Neath as backs coach. But both have now left the club, alongside team boss Neil White and Tom Ward.
A statement from the quartet said: “Following on from the recent departure of Simon King, head coach of Neath RFC, assistant coaches Paul Williams and Paul James, along with team manager Neil White and Tom Ward have also decided to stand down from our current roles.
“This is not only to show our support and solidarity with Simon, but also to indicate our heart-felt frustration with the current off field situation at the club.
“We are all humbled by the commitment and dedication shown by the remaining players, and feel truly sorry for the loyal longstanding supporters of Neath RFC.
“We would like to wish all the current Neath RFC players and supporters the very best for the future, and sincerely hope that this great club can rise and be a force to be reckoned with again.
“Our departure will hopefully bring about circumstances where the remaining players receive what they are owed. Thank you all once again.”
King quit the club after less than five months at the helm, insisting it would be negligent for him to continue without any medical staff.
King’s revelation about the lack of medical support throws the immediate playing future of the team into further doubt, despite the fact they managed to fulfill their fixture on Friday night after being forced to cancel the previous weekend’s match.
They appear certainties to be relegated from the Principality Premiership, no matter what happens.
In an emotional statement, King said: “I believe it would negligent to continue in the role without medical staff.
“I have tried to carry on as long as possible despite not being paid and any arrangements I had with the club clearly being breached.
“I reserve my rights as coach to have a duty of care to the players and without the appropriate support staff I can no longer carry on with my duties.
“I want to say a big thank you to everyone for the support I have received while fulfilling my role as head coach of Neath RFC. The supporters have been outstanding throughout and their enthusiastic loyalty is a true indication of what the club means to so many people. You all deserve better and I’m sure good times will return.”
There is huge uncertainty surrounding one of Welsh rugby’s most famous clubs following the decision at Cardiff Justice Courts on Thursday to dismiss a winding-up order. That ruling means Mike Cuddy currently remains in charge of Neath Rugby Limited.supporters had hoped it would be upheld. They said they were hoping that new investors would come on board and rebuild the club as a new entity.