Mr Julian Emms became the first person in Wales today to be convicted of an offence against fire service personnel under The Emergency Services (Obstruction) Act 2006.
 
Emms, 47, was convicted of obstruction and hindering of emergency workers while fire crews attended an incident in Sudbrook, Caldicot on Thursday 22nd March 2012.

At 9.30am, Cwmbran Magistrates Court, Emms was sentenced to a term of five weeks for obstructing emergency workers in the course of their duty.

Huw Jakeway, Acting Chief Fire Officer, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said;
“We will not tolerate any acts of violence or intimidation against our staff and we will pursue all avenues to ensure appropriate action is taken.  It is unbelievable that our personnel are subject to violence whilst out there protecting the communities they serve it is essential that our personnel feel safe in work and are protected against these attacks”.

Chris Hadfield, Group Manager - Fire Crime Unit, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said;
“This is an extremely successful outcome for the Fire and Rescue Service, the public and all other emergency service workers.  All too often our fire crews and other emergency service personnel come up against attack and obstruction while simply trying to do their job and protect their communities”.

He continued “This is the first time that a person has been successfully convicted in Wales of an offence under The Emergency Services (Obstruction) Act 2006 against fire service personnel and it is hoped this shows that actions such as these will not be tolerated and the conviction will be a deterrent to any other persons thinking of carrying out such actions”.

“The safety of our fire crews and the public is paramount and this Act along with the CCTV cameras that have been fitted on all Fire Engines will help ensure this safety is maintained”.