Couple tried to get man to drop court appearance

A COUPLE accosted a trial witness and tried to get him to withdraw from the case, a court has heard.

Samantha Maria Ottaway, 40, and Christopher John Willis, 40, abused the man, called him a “grass”, and made threats.

Swansea Crown Court heard that the couple were in the centre of Neath in August when they saw the man – the alleged victim of a robbery – near the castle.

Frank Phillips, prosecuting, said Willis approached him and told him to drop the charges.

The man said he would, and tried to get away, but Ottaway then started “poking” him, and calling him a “stinking grass”.

Ottaway, of Llys Felin, Aberdulais, and Willis, of Blaenavon Terrace, Tonmawr, were appearing for sentencing. They had previously admitted witness intimidation. The court heard Ottaway had an extensive record of acquisitive offending, while Willis had previous convictions including burglary, assault, theft, and handling stolen goods. The couple, now estranged, are both heroin addicts.

Dean Pulling, for Ottaway, said his client had been living a “wretched” lifestyle at the time of the offence. He said: “At the moment, custody is probably the best thing for her. She has hope now.”

Lee Davies, for Willis, said there was no suggestion the victim had been sought out by his client.

Judge Peter Heywood said the offence of witness intimidation “strikes at the very heart” of the criminal justice system, and was always treated seriously.

Ottaway was sentenced to six months in prison. Willis was sentenced to eight months in prison suspended for 18 months, and made the subject of a drug rehabilitation order, an “exceptional” step, said the judge, because of the defendant’s family circumstances.

They were both given two-year restraining orders banning them from contacting the man.