THE jailing of a Llanwnnen man with previous convictions for violence and a history of vendettas against neighbours has been met by widespread relief by villagers, according to the local councillor.

Barry Christopher Elston, 62, was jailed at Swansea Crown Court for 12 months following another “appalling” violent outburst in which he damaged a quad bike and then attacked a woman who tried to calm him down.

Elston, of Llanlleg, Blaencwrt, admitted assaulting Sharon Morgans causing her bodily harm and causing £1,253 worth of damage to the quad bike.

Ian Wright, prosecuting, told the court how Elston rented out land to neighbouring farmers Mrs Morgans and her husband.

On 7 June their son Gethin was spreading lime on the land when he saw Elston approaching. He appeared to be in a temper and Gethin drove his tractor into a neighbouring field to avoid a confrontation.

Mr Wright said Elston was armed with a spade which he struck the Honda quad bike with 13 times.

Gethin telephoned his father who contacted his wife and she drove to the scene.

“She saw the defendant and thought she could calm him down,” said Mr Wright.

But Elston approached her swearing and, fearing something was going to happen, Mrs Morgans pressed the record button on her mobile telephone.

The telephone captured the sounds of Elston swearing and punching her to the face several times.

The next thing she could remember, said Mr Wright, was sitting in a field and being comforted by passers by.

She suffered extensive bruising to her face and was taken to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen for treatment.

Mr Wright said Elston had previous convictions for violence and had a history of vendettas against neighbours.

Dean Pulling, representing Elston, said he had become irritated at dust blowing into his property from whatever work was being done in the field.

“It was an appalling incident, a complete loss of temper and control,” he added.

Elston, a marine engineer, intended selling up and leaving the area, he added.

Judge Peter Heywood told Elston he appeared incapable of resolving issues without resorting to violence.

Cllr Euros Davies, who was present at the crown court hearing, said Elston’s victim was still ‘traumatised’ by the vicious attack.

“She’s not the person she was before,” he told the Cambrian News. “She was always very bright and bubbly, but this has hit her for six.

“For me, one of the most disturbing things about this incident was the fact that anyone who had been confronted by this individual in that area at that time would have received a hammering.

“I was so appalled when the police played me a recording of the attack that I actually had to leave the room – that’s how bad it was. I later forewarned members of the family what to expect.

“There is widespread relief locally that Elston has now been put away for a minimum of six months because people were worried about their own safety.

“And no doubt there will be further relief when a ‘for sale’ sign goes up outside this chap’s property.”