A Swansea man with 100 previous offences on his record has been spared prison after a judge said he was "just about" persuaded to give him a chance to change his ways. Matthew Maynard, 40, had pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, making threats to damage property, and criminal damage.
Incident involved deliberate crash into caravan
Swansea Crown Court heard that Maynard deliberately swerved his partner's Mercedes into a parked caravan after she talked about going on holiday without him. The incident occurred on July 3, when Maynard went to his partner's home and shouted threats to damage her car and set fire to her property. Four days later, he returned and asked her for a drive, and during the trip near Bishop Vaughan School, he deliberately hit the caravan.
The woman asked him to stop so she could get out, and Maynard drove off to Brynhyfryd Square. He was arrested on July 9 in the SA1 docklands area after spending three hours on the roof of an industrial unit negotiating with officers.
Judge notes letter citing 'normal' prison path
Maynard, of Idwal Place, Penlan, had written a letter to the judge saying it was "normal" for people from his area to end up in prison but that he wanted to change. Judge Huw Rees said he had read the letter with care and noted the defendant had "written all the right things," hoping the sentiments were genuine.
Maynard's barrister, Dean Pulling, said his client had expressed remorse and contrition, which a probation officer regarded as genuine. He added that Maynard's partner had forgiven him and that he had an offer of work from Abertawe Metal Recycling.
Suspended sentence and driving ban imposed
Judge Rees said he was "just about" persuaded to give Maynard an opportunity to work with probation, adding: "I am taking a chance with you. Should you throw it back in my face you will be breached and brought back to court and you will have no-one to blame but yourself."
Maynard was sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete a rehabilitation course and a drug rehabilitation requirement. He was also banned from driving for two years and must pass an extended test before regaining his licence.
