Crime

Pensioner to face trial over £18,000 car dealership damage

Published

3 months ago

December 9, 2025

A PENSIONER accused of causing more than £18,000 worth of damage at a Ceredigion car dealership will stand trial next summer, it was confirmed at Swansea Crown Court this week (Dec 9).

Seventy-eight-year-old Matthew Edmunds, of Dinas Ceri, Cwm Cou, pleaded not guilty to criminal damage at Cawdor Cars, Newcastle Emlyn, on April 19, 2024.

He is accused alongside a 15-year-old child, who cannot be named for legal reasons. That child has already admitted the offending, the court heard.

The court heard that the child applied paint stripper to several vehicles at the dealership and later helped to dispose of the clothing seen on CCTV. The prosecution allege that Edmunds denies involvement and permitted the child to take full responsibility for the incident.

Earlier hearings were told that six vehicles were damaged, with repair costs estimated at £18,373.31.

Edmunds attended court in a wheelchair, and the court was informed that he requires kidney dialysis sessions lasting around four-and-a-half hours, three days a week. The judge said the Crown Court would ensure the trial timetable accommodates his medical needs.

The case was adjourned for trial on June 16, 2026.

Crime

Man cleared of sexual assault allegation after magistrates rule no case to answer

Published

4 minutes ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Case dismissed following trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court

A MAN from Milford Haven has been cleared of a sexual assault allegation after magistrates ruled there was no case to answer.

David Fletcher, 45, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 9) for trial.

He had been charged with sexual assault on a woman aged sixteen or over, contrary to section three of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The court heard the allegation related to an incident said to have taken place in Johnston, Pembrokeshire, on March 16, 2025.

Due to legal reporting restrictions, the complainant’s identity cannot be published under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.

During the hearing, the prosecution was represented by Dennis Davies, while Fletcher was represented by David Wheel of Welch & Co Solicitors.

After hearing the evidence presented by the prosecution, the magistrates ruled that there was no case to answer.

The bench, comprising Mrs J Morris, Mr C Pattison and Mr J Steadman, formally found Fletcher not guilty.

The case was dismissed and Fletcher was discharged.

Crime

Restraining order breach allegation withdrawn at court

Published

20 minutes ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Tenby man had faced harassment-related charge

A PEMBROKESHIRE man accused of breaching a restraining order has had the case against him withdrawn at court.

Christopher Marsh, aged 49, of Grove Court, St Florence, Tenby, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Mar 13).

Marsh had been charged with harassment by breaching a restraining order.

The allegation related to an incident said to have taken place on Tuesday (Mar 3), 2026.

However, during the hearing the prosecution withdrew the charge.

Magistrates therefore took no further action and the case was dismissed.

Crime

Man accused of breaching sexual harm prevention order sent to Crown Court

Published

25 minutes ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Llanelli magistrates send case to higher court

A 40-YEAR-OLD man has been sent to the Crown Court after appearing before magistrates in connection with an alleged breach of a sexual harm prevention order.

Luke Rogers, aged 40, of C3161 Brimston Cross to Wolfscastle Road, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Mar 13).

Rogers is charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order on Tuesday (Feb 25), 2026.

He also faces a further charge of driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence on the same date.

No pleas were entered during the hearing.