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A man dubbed the 'human bollard' has once again been jailed for repeatedly obstructing traffic in the heart of Swansea. David Hampson, a well-known figure for his defiant antics, has been convicted for the 12th time in a decade for blocking a busy road, primarily operating between a police station and a magistrates' court. His repeated offenses and silent resistance have made him a notorious troublemaker in the city.
Hampson's latest arrest occurred on June 19, 2024, when he was seen standing in the middle of De La Beche Street, directly in front of Swansea Central police station. He refused to move, causing significant disruption to traffic until he was eventually taken into custody. As is his habit, he remained completely silent throughout the arrest and subsequent legal proceedings. At Swansea Magistrates Court, Hampson refused to enter a plea, prompting the court to enter a 'not guilty' plea on his behalf. Following a trial, he was convicted of obstructing the highway.
This most recent incident came just 28 days after Hampson had been sentenced to a six-month prison term for an identical offense at the very same location. His consistent behavior and disregard for the law have frustrated authorities, who are left to deal with his silent protest.
According to a former neighbor, John Davies, Hampson's silence is not a result of a medical condition but a deliberate act of rebellion. "He can talk, but he doesn't like authority so never says a word to the cops," Davies, a 56-year-old ex-soldier, stated. Davies compared Hampson to a character from the film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, suggesting he selectively chooses who he speaks to. "He's a wind-up merchant; he likes to annoy people and then pretend he's mute. But he can speak alright. He likes to play pranks."
Another individual now residing at Hampson's former address echoed this sentiment, suggesting Hampson’s behavior might be a way to secure "free board and lodge in prison." While Hampson's personal details, such as his age, are not publicly available, his identity as a persistent nuisance is well-established in the Swansea community.
