A ‘vigilante protest’ has led to a Pembroke man breaching his bail conditions and ending up in custody.

Gareth Thomas Flynn, of Ashdale Lane, appeared from custody at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Monday, July 16.

Flynn, 39, denied breaching his bail conditions which had been imposed by Wiltshire magistrates on July 12, but was convicted by the bench during the hearing.

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, prosecuting, told the court that police were called when 15 people gathered outside Flynn’s mother’s address, where he had been bailed to live and sleep, on Friday, July 13.

“Police attended and he was allowed to drive his vehicle to the police station and he slept the night in the police station car park.”

Mr Pritchard-Jones added: “While there were extenuating circumstances as to why he left the address, technically that is still a breach of bail conditions.”

He added that the crown was of the opinion Flynn would have been likely to breach his bail conditions in the future, as he told officers that he intended get his belongings and leave the area.

Katy Hanson, defending, said: “He did exactly what he was told to do by the police.”

“He should not be punished because of vigilante action taken by members of the public and the police need to sort that out.

“People can’t attend at an address and cause a scene. Other incidents have happened in Pembrokeshire of a similar nature.”

She added: “I would say that what happened has been somewhat unfair to Mr Flynn who has been in custody since Saturday.”

Magistrates found Flynn had breached his bail and remanded him until July 24.

The chairman of the bench said: “We find that the initial breach was made for your own safety. But you did tell the officer that you were leaving the area, and not coming back, which would breach your conditions.”