Crime

Burglar admits to string of thefts across county

Published

2 years ago

November 30, 2023

JOHN SMITH, 45, of Stover Avenue in Sageston, pleaded guilty to a series of calculated burglaries spanning across Pembrokeshire this week.

These incidents, which occurred mainly in the Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock areas, paint a picture of a meticulously planned crime spree involving an array of stolen items, from electronics to personal effects.

On October 18, Smith was involved in three separate burglaries in Haverfordwest, as well as an attempted burglary. In one instance, he managed to abscond with a purse, a wallet containing £70, and an iPhone from an address on Prendergast.

Another break-in on the same street saw the theft of a North Face jacket and a dog lead. The same day, Smith executed a more ambitious heist on Perrots Terrace, where he stole a PlayStation 5 with a controller and games, an HDMI cable, watches, an iPad, and even a pillow case.

Further adding to his criminal portfolio, Smith faced two counts of fraud, relating to the unauthorized use of two women’s bank cards on October 8.

These were used to purchase alcohol at a local Bargain Booze store. On October 9 and 10, Smith’s burglary spree continued in Pembroke Dock, where he stole jewellery, a vase, and £165 in cash from an address on Front Street. The next day, a home on Imble Street was his target.

Notably, on October 10, Smith was also charged with carrying a utility knife in a public place, adding a concerning element of potential violence to his criminal activities.

Defending, Stuart John highlighted Smith’s recognition of the gravity of his actions and his anticipation of a significant prison sentence. “There seems to be an element of compulsiveness with this defendant,” John noted, adding that alcohol and drugs were not influencing factors in Smith’s behavior. This statement has led to the request for a psychiatric evaluation, seeking to understand the underlying motivations for these crimes.

Judge Catherine Richards has scheduled the sentencing for January 10, remanding Smith into custody until then. This case has prompted discussions in the community about the need for increased vigilance and possibly reviewing local security measures.

Crime

Milford Haven man admits assault and harassment charges

Published

3 days ago

May 21, 2026

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN has admitted assaulting a family member and harassing another relative following incidents in the town last year.

Wayne Whatling, 39, of Howarth Close, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 21).

Whatling changed his pleas to guilty to one charge of assault by beating and one charge of harassment without violence.

The assault charge relates to an incident in Milford Haven on September 13, 2025, when Whatling assaulted Ben Whatling by beating him.

He also admitted pursuing a course of conduct amounting to harassment against Carol Whatling between September 1 and September 13, 2025.

The court heard the harassment allegation involved repeatedly asking Carol Whatling for money, with the complainant said to have feared repercussions if she did not provide it.

Magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Whatling was remanded on conditional bail and ordered not to contact Carol or Ben Whatling directly or indirectly.

He is due to be sentenced at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (June 9).

Crime

Milford Haven man admits affray after alleged pub incident

Published

3 days ago

May 21, 2026

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN man has admitted affray following an incident at a town centre pub.

Stephen Collier, 38, of Vaynor Road, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 21).

Collier has pleaded guilty to affray, relating to an incident at Nos Da, Victoria Road, Milford Haven, on December 3, 2025.

The charge states that he used unlawful violence towards John Dean Hilton and that his conduct was such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for their personal safety.

Collier also faces a separate charge of burglary dwelling with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm. It is alleged that, on the same date, he entered a flat at Nos Da as a trespasser and inflicted grievous bodily harm on Mr Hilton. He denies that charge.

The court also dealt with a breach of bail allegation after Collier was arrested on May 20 for allegedly breaching a curfew condition. He admitted the breach.

Magistrates re-admitted him to conditional bail.

His bail conditions include a daily electronically monitored curfew between 9:00pm and 6:00am, residence at his Vaynor Road address, and exclusions from Mount Estate, Milford Haven town centre, and Nos Da.

He must also not contact prosecution witnesses, including Molly Martin, Jack Martin, Lily Rose Martin and John Hilton.

Collier is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, June 5, for sentence.

A spokesperson for Nos Da said the incident was connected with rooms upstairs at the Victoria Road premises, and did not take place in the bar itself, in the licensed area.