Couple jailed for harassing Gwynedd social worker

A COUPLE who harassed a social worker have been jailed. Gethin Wyn Williams, 43, of Pont y Waun, Waunfawr was jailed for 15 months and his partner, Sally Victoria Jensen, 37, of Goodman Street, Llanberis for 30 weeks.

Sentencing, Judge Merfyn Hughes QC told them: “People employed in public office are entitled to receive the protection of the court.”

Williams was found guilty by a jury of harassment in July and sentence had been adjourned for reports. Although Jensen had initially denied the charge she later changed her plea.

The judge was told the couple had been infuriated by the social worker’s decisions and had found out her personal details.

Matthew Curtis, prosecuting, said the couple had come into contact with Gwynedd Council’s social services department in July last year.

“At meetings with the social worker they were aggressive and intimidating towards her. Threats were made against her by both defendants.

“At one point Williams called her home phone number, a detail she did not give out to anyone.

“During one meeting Williams clearly indicated he knew where she lived. She was so concerned she did not want to go home for fear they might follow her, and she stayed with a friend.”

Jensen’s barrister Gordon Hennell asked the judge to give some credit for her guilty plea.

“She has faced up to what she has done,” he said.

John Williams, for Williams, said he acted out of frustration.

A Gwynedd Council spokesman said: “The council takes the health, safety and welfare of our staff very seriously. We do not tolerate violence against staff members, and we encourage them to record all instances of verbal or physical attacks.

“Where serious threats of violence occur, the council liaise closely with North Wales Police and appropriate action is taken, which may include prosecution. The seriousness of the threats made in this instance is reflected in the court’s verdict.”

Det Chief Insp Iestyn Davies added: “North Wales Police worked closely with Gwynedd Social Services, their health and safety department and the Crown Prosecution Service in order to bring this case before the court.

“We take seriously the criminal targeting of professionals and will deal with such cases robustly. We welcome the sentence which sends a clear message that the criminal targeting and harassing of such professionals will be dealt with seriously by the courts.”