Crime
Cardigan man avoids prison after online child sex sting
A MAN from Cardigan who sent explicit videos to what he thought was a 14-year-old girl has been handed a suspended sentence at Swansea Crown Court.
The court heard Gavin Carter, of Felin Bach, struck up contact with a social media account called “Lilly” on June 26. Unbeknown to him, the profile was operated by a group dedicated to exposing adults seeking sexual contact with children.
Grooming attempts exposed
When Carter told Lilly he was 45, the account replied that she was 14. Despite this, he gave her his number and began speaking to her on WhatsApp.
Prosecutor Ian Wright said Carter quickly turned the conversation sexual. He said he wanted to join her in the bath and talked about kissing and intimate touching. That same day, Carter sent a video of himself masturbating.
Four days later, another video was sent, along with instructions that the “girl” should carry out a sexual act with a banana. Further sexual discussions followed before Carter broke off communication.
On July 12, members of the paedophile-hunter group went to his home. Police were called and he was arrested.
Admissions and guilty pleas
Carter told officers he did not have a sexual interest in children, but admitted sending the videos and requesting images despite knowing Lilly had said she was 14.
He later pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child, attempted incitement of a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of attempting to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
Sentencing remarks
The court was told Carter had numerous previous convictions, mainly linked to alcohol misuse, but none of a sexual nature.
Defence barrister Dan Griffiths said his client had been living as “a recluse,” struggling with isolation and drinking heavily. He added that Carter recognised the seriousness of his behaviour, had ended the conversations himself before being confronted, and told police he was “disgusted” by his actions.
Recorder P. Lewis imposed a 20-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years. Carter must complete a six-month alcohol treatment course, 150 hours of unpaid work, and 25 rehabilitation activity days.
He will remain on the sex offenders register for 10 years and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same length of time.
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.
-
News6 days agoBarley Saturday brings bumper crowds to Cardigan
-
Local Government3 days agoFishguard children’s home application is a ‘legal test’, not planning merits decision
-
Crime7 days agoHakin resident fined £1,330 over repeated noise and intimidation breaches
-
Sport6 days agoGoodwick United lift Senior Cup after 3-1 win over Monkton Swifts
-
Community23 hours agoDogs removed after welfare concerns at Milford Haven property
-
Crime2 days agoPembrokeshire hairdresser avoids prison after pub assault
-
Sport5 days agoNarberth seconds start season in new sponsored kit
-
News4 days agoSPECIAL FEATURE: Did Chernobyl affect children in Wales?






