Man made to pay £1620 after slashing a police vehicle tyre

Charles Richards, of Nantyglo, Brynmawr, was found guilty at Cardiff Magistrates Court of causing criminal damage to a police vehicle.

At approximately 4:45pm on Sunday, 9th April 2023, Richards was travelling along the A4106 near Porthcawl, when he pulled in front of a GoSafe van and came to a stop. He exited his car on the dual carriageway and was seen walking towards the van with what appeared to be a yellow utility knife. He slashed the front tyre of the GoSafe van, before promptly returning to his car and driving away.

The incident was captured by high quality CCTV installed on the GoSafe vehicle and Mr Richards was identified. On Saturday, 22nd April 2023, the 38-year-old was arrested and charged with causing criminal damage to a police vehicle.

Mr Richards appeared in Cardiff Magistrates Court on Thursday, 11th May 2023. He was found guilty and made to pay a £1066 fine, a £426 victim surcharge, £85 court costs and £43 compensation.