A 39‑year‑old woman has been sentenced to prison after a series of offences in Swansea city centre, including setting fire to a table inside McDonald’s at Castle Square.
Leah Hocking, of no fixed abode, entered the fast‑food restaurant on 4 March and lit paper napkins and other items on her table with a cigarette lighter. Staff used wet towels to extinguish the flames while customers moved away from the disturbance.
During the same incident, Hocking stole a mobile phone from a 16‑year‑old boy. The court heard the teenager, already wary of visiting the city centre, was left even more reluctant to return after the ordeal. He told the court he no longer felt able to visit McDonald’s, which he had previously regarded as a treat.
Hocking also shouted and swore at staff, spat at walls, and swung a chair after the victim demanded his phone back. When police arrived, she resisted arrest and kicked out at an officer.
On the same day, she caused damage at a nearby coffee shop after blocking the doorway, “ranting” at staff and spitting on the door.
Hocking pleaded guilty to arson, theft, assaulting an emergency worker and criminal damage under £5,000. She was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court last week to six months in prison.
PC Abbi Crocker of South Wales Police said:
“Leah Hocking’s behaviour was mindless and she did not care whether she caused harm to herself or to others. That kind of irresponsible and anti‑social behaviour is not at all welcome on the streets of Swansea.”
The court was told Hocking had three previous convictions and was on licence at the time of the offences. Her barrister said her recent offending was linked to substance misuse and a decline in her mental health, but that she had shown progress while on remand, completing courses and securing a job offer.
Judge Catherine Richards said Hocking’s actions had affected “people of all ages” and noted the offences were aggravated by being committed while on licence. She acknowledged her mental health difficulties and the support available to her, but said a custodial sentence was necessary.
With time already served on remand, Hocking is expected to be released soon.
