Caernarfon,North Wales - Man jailed for threatening runner on Caernarfon cycle track

Richard Williams of Mark Lane, Caernarfon (left) admitted threatening runner Alun Vaughan (right) on the cycle track in September

• 26 NOV 2015
• BY HYWEL TREWYN

Court heard Richard Williams submitted former Snowdonia marathon winner Alun Vaughan from Felinheli to a "frightening" ordeal on the Lȏn Las Menai

A man has been jailed for threatening a runner on a cycle track near Caernarfon.

Richard Williams of Mark Lane, Caernarfon admitted raising his fists, shouting and swearing former Snowdonia marathon winner Alun Vaughan during an incident on the Lȏn Las Menai path in September.

The 43 year-old, who appeared via video link from Altcourse prison at Caernarfon crown court today, was sentenced to 32 weeks in prison.

Prosecutor Richard Edwards said that in committing the offence, former amphetamines-user Williams had broken an anti-social behaviour order issued by Caernarfon magistrates on January 29 last year.

The court heard how complainant Alun Vaughan, a well-known runner from Felinheli, had gone for an evening jog along the popular Lȏn Las Menai track at around 7pm on September 23.

FROM TARK The old Bangor to Caernarfon Railway line now Lon Las Menai Cycle and footpath, crossing Waterloo Road, Caernarfon Looking towards Bangor

When Mr Vaughan he reached Morrisons in Caernarfon, he saw Williams having an argument with three other men.

Mr Vaughan noticed Williams “staring” at him as he ran past but he carried on running to the end of the track.

Man in court over Caernarfon cycle track incident

On his way back along the track, Mr Vaughan came across Williams “running in the same direction” near the former Ferodo factory.

Mr Vaughan heard Williams shout: “Come on you fxxing bxxxxrds” and “I’ll get you all.”

When Mr Vaughan stopped running, Williams put up his fists to him.

Mr Vaughan said he managed to evade Williams and carried on running past him but he thought he was going to be assaulted.

Caernarfon cycle track users urged to be vigilant after reports of 'suspicious' man

Williams told police he thought he was being followed by “some lads” from the Bangor area and believed they were going to attack him which is why he raised his fists.

The court how heard Mr Vaughan, an experienced runner having won numerous awards, had not since returned to run along Lȏn Las Menai, choosing instead to run elsewhere after the experience.

Alun Vaughan

Williams, who represented himself during the hearing, had been held in custody at Altcourse prison since being arrested for the offence in September.

He admitted breaking his ASBO and of swearing at Mr Vaughan and that he was sorry.

He also said he was off drugs now.

Sentencing Williams to a total of 32 weeks, Judge Rhys Rowlands said it had been “a frightening” experience for Mr Vaughan.

see story at- http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/man-jailed-threatening-champion-runner-10509738