Neath Port Talbot man jailed after terrifying knife and arson attack on woman

A man from Neath Port Talbot has been jailed for his dangerous and threatening behaviour towards a woman.

43-year-old David Smith, from Blaengwynfi, brandished a knife towards the woman while both were driving in separate cars near to the victim’s address on March 2 this year. He then proceeded to follow the victim’s car before dangerously cutting her off and then getting out to again brandish the knife.

This happened repeatedly, with Smith swerving to attempt to knock the victim’s car off the road. The victim ultimately was forced to drive into a ditch while trying to escape him, before fleeing on foot.

Following this incident, Smith then deliberately set the victim’s garage alight.

After pleading guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered, driving a motor vehicle dangerously, two counts of possessing a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place, criminal damage to property and sending a menacing message.

He has been sentenced to four years and four months in prison.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Holding said:

“David Smith’s behaviour towards the victim was incredibly threatening and intimidating and cannot be tolerated.

“It is impossible to know just how far Smith would have gone in his course of terror against the victim, and it is extremely fortunate that it came to an end when it did, before somebody got hurt.

“This was a series of incidents and not one moment of madness, and that is reflected in the length of sentence which has been handed out.”

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