A harrowing incident unfolded on a bus in Swansea when a woman refused to move for a wheelchair user and then brandished a kitchen knife, threatening fellow passengers. The woman in question, Carol Colwill, 59, also made threats to firebomb a friend’s home and later assaulted a police officer by kicking him in the groin.
Swansea Crown Court heard that on March 6, Colwill was on a bus and refused to vacate the wheelchair-designated seat for a passenger in a wheelchair. As tensions rose, Colwill produced a kitchen knife from her bag, waving it around and making violent threats towards the passengers. She eventually left the bus but was later arrested at her home, where a matching knife was found during a search.
Further troubling behavior emerged when Colwill, on March 26, threatened a friend’s husband with a series of menacing phone calls, including threats to firebomb their house. She later showed up at the couple’s home, causing significant damage and chaos in the garden. Colwill’s erratic behavior continued when she was taken into custody, exhibiting aggression towards officers and making threats against the couple she had targeted.
Colwill, of Hall Street, Waun Wen, Swansea, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including threatening a person with a knife, sending offensive messages, criminal damage, and assaulting an emergency worker. Her long history of criminal offenses, including arson and assault, was detailed during the court proceedings.
Dr. Allyson Witts, the clinician responsible for Colwill’s care, described her as significantly mentally disordered, highlighting the increased risk she poses to the public during deteriorations in her mental health. The court ultimately decided to commit Colwill to a mental health unit under a restriction order, acknowledging the need for intensive treatment rather than punitive measures.
Judge Geraint Walters noted the reports on Colwill’s mental health and criminal history, emphasizing the importance of ensuring she receives appropriate treatment. Revoking a previous community order, the judge highlighted the decision as a necessary step to prioritize Colwill’s well-being and public safety.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges surrounding mental health and the criminal justice system. It underscores the need for comprehensive mental health support and interventions to address individuals like Colwill who present risks to themselves and others.