Man’s Cocaine-Induced Paranoia Leads to Incident in Port Talbot
A man in Port Talbot, identified as Carl Pascoe, caused a stir in the neighbourhood after he engaged in destructive behaviour while under the influence of cocaine. The incident, which occurred on February 12 this year at Evelyn Terrace, saw Pascoe smashing doors and windows of his own flat. The commotion was so alarming that it resulted in a neighbour suffering from a panic attack due to the disturbance caused by Pascoe’s aggressive actions.
According to reports presented at Swansea Crown Court by prosecutor Sian Cutter, a woman residing in Evelyn Terrace was awoken by loud noises emanating from outside her residence. Upon investigating, she witnessed Pascoe shouting, screaming, and wielding a knife in a tumultuous manner. The sight of Pascoe’s erratic behaviour was so distressing that it triggered a panic attack in the neighbour, prompting her to contact the authorities for assistance.
Law enforcement officers promptly responded to the scene and confronted Pascoe, who was brandishing both a knife and an unexpected tool—an electric drill. Following police instructions, Pascoe abandoned the items and was swiftly apprehended. During his arrest, Pascoe disclosed to the officers that he had consumed around £100 worth of cocaine. He then surrendered two small bags containing remnants of a white powder, underscoring his drug use during the episode.
Upon inspecting Pascoe’s flat, authorities discovered a shattered window and door, attributing the damage to his destructive outburst. The housing association, which oversaw the property, estimated the repair costs at £400. Pascoe, a resident of Evelyn Terrace, pleaded guilty to charges of criminal damage and possession of a bladed article during his court appearance for sentencing. Despite initial allegations of affray, the prosecution opted not to pursue that specific charge against him.
Pascoe’s legal representative, Andrew Evans, urged the court to consider the recommendations detailed in the pre-sentence report. Judge Huw Rees addressed Pascoe’s long-standing cocaine abuse issue, remarking that his paranoid conduct stemmed from his excessive drug consumption. The judge emphasised the necessity for Pascoe, aged 43, to address and rectify his drug dependency to avoid repeating such alarming behaviours in the future.
In light of Pascoe’s guilty pleas, the court sentenced him to a four-month suspended prison term spanning 12 months. Additionally, Pascoe was mandated to undergo a rehabilitation course and adhere to a 12-month drug rehabilitation programme, which included monthly monitoring and reviews by the judiciary. Judge Rees highlighted the absence of community service due to Pascoe’s current inability to undertake unpaid work.
Pascoe’s case serves as a reminder of the destructive consequences of drug abuse and the importance of combating substance dependency for personal well-being and community safety. The court’s decision underscores the significance of addressing underlying issues contributing to criminal behaviour and facilitating rehabilitation efforts to support individuals in overcoming their challenges.