DAVID SOUTHWELL

A shirtless man holding a large knife lunged towards members of the public outside a shop in a Cardiff suburb.

Days later, David Southwell physically attacked his ex-partner in front of people in the same neighbourhood.

At Cardiff Crown Court, it was heard how Southwell was recorded on CCTV waving a knife around outside Holmesdale mini market in Grangetown on August 18, 2024.

Charles Archer, prosecuting, stated: "At 8.20pm on that date [Southwell] was outside Holmesdale Mini Market in Grangetown, running and lunging at cars passing whilst holding a knife.

He had his shirt off and there were people around.

He swung the knife around and that was reported to the police, who attended and recovered CCTV from the mini market...

It seems the defendant moves into the view of the CCTV camera with his shirt off.

He has a relatively large knife in his hand which he then raises, seemingly, to other people in the street.

He is only in the footage for seven or eight seconds.".

Analysis shows that Southwell was on licence for a previous offence in 2022 at the time of his August 2024 incident.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to actual bodily harm, possessing a bladed article in a public area, and using threatening or abusive behaviour with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence.

His defense, represented by Sol Hartley, claimed Southwell, of no fixed abode, is "extremely remorseful" and has been "proactive" in custody.

The lawyer indicated Southwell's offending "stemmed from a chaotic lifestyle and poor mental health" after becoming homeless in early 2024.

Subsequently, on August 20, 2024, members of the public reported hearing a "commotion" in Grangemoor park around 11.15pm.

It was reported that Southwell was seen chasing a male victim before he fell to the ground, after which Southwell assaulted him by kicking, pulling his hair, and hitting him.

The victim, previously in a relationship with Southwell but not at the time of the attack, described feeling too afraid to leave his home for days afterward and suffering severe anxiety and panic attacks, with medical treatment following.

The judge, Recorder Andrew Hammond, noted that his decision was "not finely balanced" and stated it was clear that Southwell was on licence during the offence.

He expressed concerns about Southwell's compliance with a suspended sentence and sentenced him to 18 months in prison.