A POWYS man’s court order will continue after magistrates decided not to punish him for breaching it.

Paul Anthony Smith assaulted an employee of the company who had come to fit him with a tag in relation to his court order, because he feared a fault with it would kill him, as he wears a pacemaker.

Smith, 40, was handed a 12-month community order for that offence in January this year, including 60 hours unpaid work and eight rehabilitation activity requirement days, in July.

At Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court last week, Smith admitted breaching the order by twice failing to turn up for probation appointment.

Probation officer Joe Long said on Wednesday, November 23, that Smith, of Mill View Close, Howey, failed to attend planned appointments on both September 20 and 27, and failed to provide acceptable evidence within as to why.

“He failed to attend the first appointment and there no prior contact with his probation practitioner,” said Mr Long.

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“He did make contact on the second occasion. His compliance has been inconsistent, he said the absences were blips. It is disappointing.

“Progress on the unpaid work has been very poor and in general the order progress has been poor.

“There have, however, been recent positive meetings with him, and we feel the order should be allowed to continue. Since the second breach his engagement has improved, he has 55 hours work remaining.

“He also says he has gained employment which accounts for the blips, and he says he is motivated to complete the order.”

Representing himself, Smith said: “I am committed to completing the order.

“I had a car crash, but have since found a new job. I understand it (the order) needs to be completed.”

The July assault on Roger Ford had put Smith in breach of another court order – which he was given after being seen cycling through the streets of Llandrindod with an imitation gun in April 2020.

Magistrates said they would allow the order to continue, but they did fine Smith £50 ad order him to pay £60 costs.