A pensioner has been jailed for 21 days for an outburst from the public gallery during a court hearing.

Stanley Mann, of Victoria Court, Abergavenny, began shouting ‘with a degree of aggression’ while his former partner stood trial at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Wednesday, February 13.

Magistrates and court staff warned Mann on several occasions that he should be quiet, but he continued to interrupt proceedings while a police officer gave evidence.

Mann, 66, spent the rest of the day in the court cells after being removed from the courtroom, and returned to the dock later in the afternoon.

He pleaded guilty to wilfully interrupting the proceedings of the court, by repeatedly commenting and shouting at a witness who was giving evidence.

Mann accepted his behaviour was in contempt of court and apologised through his solicitor.

Mike Kelleher, defending, said: “He was here supporting an ex-partner of his. They were together for 17 years and she suffers with her health. This particular case has worn them both out.

“They have been frustrated and had difficulty obtaining representation at court.”

“They have both been bound up in this case, so much so that he let it get the better of him, and he had a bit of an outburst when he should not have done so.”

Mr Kelleher added: “Court proceedings are very stressful and emotional for the people involved.

“Supporters find it more difficult to control themselves when things are said that they do not agree with.

“Unfortunately on this occasion he let himself down very badly and made comments towards the witness that he should not have done.”

Mann was sent to prison for 21 days.

The chairman of the bench, who was present during Mann’s outburst, said: “You ignored four warnings in court, you talked over the chairman and seriously disrupted proceedings.

“The officer had to leave the witness stand and court had to stop. There was a degree of aggression shown in this court.”

“Your attitude to the court and this behaviour cannot be condoned.”