Mickey Probert, 37, caused chaos in Pembroke Dock

A man caused IT chaos in his hometown after he repeatedly cut fibre optic broadband cables.

Mickey Probert, 37, severed cables six times in Wavell Crescent and Hamilton Court in Pembroke Dock between September 29, 2023 and January 23, 2024.

The cables belonged to Welsh internet provider Ogi who were left more than £26,000 out of pocket as a result of the vandalism, Joseph Hocquard, prosecuting, said.

An employee said in a victim impact statement that the company had suffered "reputational damage" as a result of the defendant's actions.

Swansea Crown Court heard Probert caused "severe disruption" to broadband services in Pembroke Dock with some customers also left with access to making 999 calls.

His motive for causing the damage was unclear but it was hinted that it might have been a "revenge attack" as he made a comment to police officers about "until their people pay me".

The defendant was caught red-handed during the early hours of January 23, 2024.

When he was arrested, he was wearing a woolly hat and latex gloves and carrying a wire cutter, screwdriver and a torch.

A metal crowbar was also found nearby after he had cut through cables for the sixth and final time.

Judge Huw Rees criticised Dyfed-Powys Police for their handling of the case which led to a two-year delay in proceedings coming to court.

It took them 12 months before they charged him.

"The police had enough evidence on his arrest to interview him that day and this will count in his favour," he said.

"He was caught red-handed."

The judge added that had the matter been dealt with properly, Probert would have be starting an immediate prison sentence.

The defendant, formerly of Wavell Crescent, Pembroke Dock, now of Laugharne Close, Pembroke pleaded guilty to criminal damage.

He has previous convictions for 13 offences which include criminal damage as well as violence, dishonesty and "public order matters in pubs".

It was heard in mitigation by his barrister Hannah George how "alcohol is clearly a problem for the defendant".

Judge Rees told Probert: "This is a serious example of its kind."

He jailed him for 16 months but suspended the sentence for two years.

The defendant will have to complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and he was made the subject of a 120-day alcohol abstinence and monitoring requirement.

Probert will also have to pay a victim surcharge.

Before he left the dock, the judge said to him: "Please don't come back to this court.

"You'd be foolish if you did."