Crime
Manhunt intensifies after woman seriously injured in Carmarthen park stabbing
Police say suspect known to victim as attempted murder investigation continues
A MAJOR police manhunt is under way after a woman was seriously injured in a stabbing at Carmarthen Park on Thursday afternoon (Jan 29).
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident is being treated as attempted murder and officers are searching for a named male suspect who is known to the victim.
Emergency services were called to the popular town park shortly after 4:00pm, where the woman was found with stab wounds to her torso and hand. She was taken to hospital for treatment and is understood to be in a stable condition.
The attack happened in broad daylight in one of the town’s busiest public spaces, a park regularly used by families, joggers and visitors from across west Wales, including Pembrokeshire.
Officers say the assault was not random.
Detective Superintendent Anthony Evans, who is leading the investigation, said: “I wish to assure the local community that our officers are following all possible lines of enquiry to locate and arrest the suspect as quickly as possible.
“You will continue to see police in the areas around Picton Terrace, Carmarthen Park and other addresses as we investigate this appalling incident.
“Our enquiries so far have led us to understand that this was not a random attack, and that the suspect and victim were known to each other.”
Police activity remained visible on Friday (Jan 30), with cordons in place around parts of the park and nearby Picton Terrace. Specialist officers have been carrying out house-to-house enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area.
Residents reported an increased police presence throughout the day.
One local told The Herald: “It’s frightening to think something like this can happen here in the middle of the afternoon. It’s usually such a safe place.”
Although Carmarthenshire generally records lower crime levels than larger Welsh cities, incidents involving knives continue to be a concern for police across the region. Dyfed-Powys Police has repeatedly urged the public to report concerns early to help prevent serious violence.
Officers are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
Police are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in Carmarthen Park around 4:00pm on Thursday or who may have seen someone acting suspiciously or leaving the area quickly.
Information can be provided by calling 101, emailing [email protected], or contacting Dyfed-Powys Police via social media. Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Anyone affected by the incident can seek support through Victim Support Cymru or other local services.
The Herald will provide updates as the investigation develops.
Crime
70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach
A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.
Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.
The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.
Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.
Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.
Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.
“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.
The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.
Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.
“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.
When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”
Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”
As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”
A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.
Crime
Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order
A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.
The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.
The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.
It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.
A plea of not guilty was entered.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.
A reporting restriction remains in force.
Crime
Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site
A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.
Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.
The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.
Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.
Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.
The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.
The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.
The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.
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