Crime

Professional boxer sentenced for knife offence

Published

10 months ago

April 8, 2025

A PROFESSIONAL bare-knuckle boxer has been sentenced by magistrates after being caught with a lock knife in a public place.

Police officers became suspicious of a vehicle parked on the A4076 in Johnston on the night of February 28 when they noticed its windows had steamed up. Inside, they found Luke Steele, who was sitting in the passenger seat.

“When he was told he was going to be searched, he admitted possessing the herbal cannabis, but he made no mention of the lock knife,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

However, during a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers found the knife concealed in the pocket of the passenger door. The court heard this was Steele’s fourth knife-related offence.

His solicitor, Molly Turner, told magistrates that Steele had forgotten the knife was in his pocket after finishing a roofing job earlier that day.

“He handed over the cannabis but placed the knife in the door pocket,” she said. “He denies that it was for self-defence or to protect himself, and he is remorseful for his actions.”

Ms Turner said a custodial sentence would negatively impact Steele, who is the father of a ten-month-old child.

“It would also affect his young son, as well as his career as a bare-knuckle boxer. He’s worked hard to reach the professional level,” she added.

“He’s stayed out of trouble for almost two years and is doing his best to turn his life around.”

Steele, 25, of Park Villa, Cross Street, Whitland, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and to possessing 2.4 grams of herbal cannabis.

Magistrates sentenced him to six months in custody, suspended for two years. He must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

Steele was also ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £154 victim surcharge. A forfeiture and destruction order was made for the knife and the cannabis.

Crime

Neyland pensioner fined after failing to comply with community protection notice

Published

34 minutes ago

February 10, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Magistrates hear persistent loud music caused nuisance to neighbours

A NEYLAND resident has been fined thousands of pounds after repeatedly failing to comply with a community protection notice, Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard.

Beryl John, 75, of Gothic Road, Neyland, Milford Haven, was convicted in his absence on Thursday (Feb 5) of breaching a community protection notice on multiple occasions.

The court heard that on November 8, 10, 13, 23 and 29, 2025, John failed to ensure that persistent and continuous music played at an excessive volume from his property did not create a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those living nearby.

The offences were committed despite a community protection notice having previously been issued. Magistrates found the breaches proved in absence.

For the first offence, John was fined £1,000. John was also ordered to pay a £400 victim services surcharge and £1,000 in prosecution costs. No separate penalties were imposed for the remaining offences.

A collection order was made, with the total balance of £2,400 to be paid by March 5.

Crime

OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters

Published

23 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.

Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.

The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.

His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.

Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.

Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.

Crime

Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls

Published

23 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.

Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.

The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.

She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.