Crime

Mother sentenced after drinking heavily while caring for toddler alone

Published

4 months ago

February 11, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

Police forced entry after hearing child’s voice inside darkened home

A HAVERFORDWEST mother has been sentenced after drinking heavily while left in sole charge of her two-year-old child.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons in order to protect the identity of the child, appeared before magistrates at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard officers were called to her home on the night of March 12, 2025, following concerns about the amount of alcohol she had consumed while caring for the toddler.

Prosecutor Nia James said police received reports that she had been drinking into the early hours.

“Officers were told she had consumed nine cans of lager and two cans of gin and tonic,” she said.

“And this was happening while she was caring for her two-year-old child.”

When officers arrived at the property, they found it in complete darkness. Despite repeated knocking, kicking and using a baton on the door for around 30 minutes, there was no response.

“Inside, they could hear a childlike voice which led them to believe the child was alone,” said Ms James. “Officers tried to gain access to save life or limb.”

Police eventually forced entry by breaking the lock with a hammer.

Once inside, they called out to the defendant and found her in bed, unresponsive at first.

“They were initially concerned for her welfare and began checking for signs of life,” the prosecutor said. “She smelled strongly of alcohol but became responsive, although she struggled to answer simple questions.”

The two-year-old child was found alone in another room. The court heard the youngster appeared unfazed by the police presence.

During interview, the woman told officers she believed she would have woken if the child had cried.

The child is now in the care of social services.

The defendant pleaded guilty to causing neglect, abandonment and ill treatment of a child likely to cause unnecessary suffering.

Magistrates imposed an 18-month community order. She must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and undertake a 19-day alcohol monitoring programme. She was also ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.

When passing sentence, the presiding magistrate asked: “Do you love your child? If you do, do you think this is a good way to proceed? You really need to make more of an effort.”

Crime

Begelly man remanded over alleged May Day assault

Published

5 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been remanded in custody following an alleged May Day assault against a woman in Begelly.

Tomas Baker, 34, of Ty Dee, New Road, Begelly, is accused of assaulting the woman, causing actual bodily harm, at an undisclosed location in Begelly on May 1.

Baker appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week by video link from Swansea Prison.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His trial will take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on June 22.

Crime

Waterston man denies child rape and sexual assault charges

Published

6 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A WATERSTON man has appeared before magistrates charged with 13 sexual offences against children, including three allegations of raping a girl under the age of 13.

Chaisee Price, 25, of Biggins Hill, Waterston, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

He faces three charges of raping a girl under 13, eight charges of sexually assaulting girls aged between five and eight, and two charges of intentionally inciting girls under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2014 and 2019.

Price denied all charges.

Because of the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court on July 10.

Price was released on conditional bail.

The conditions include a daily electronically monitored curfew between 6:00pm and 6:00am, no contact with the prosecution witness, no unsupervised contact with children under 18, and a requirement to surrender his passport to police.

Crime

Haverfordwest pair accused of £80,000 rogue trading frauds

Published

6 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

TWO men from a Haverfordwest traveller family have been described in court as “rogue traders” following a series of alleged frauds totalling almost £80,000.

Billy Alfred Gary Lovell, 38, and Timothy Dean Lovell, 36, both of Under the Hills, Merlins Bridge, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

They are accused of offences linked to ground clearance and gardening work in Mathry, Sardis and two addresses in Carmarthenshire.

Prosecuting on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Trading Standards Department, barrister Harry Dickens told the court: “These men have to be described as rogue traders.”

Billy Lovell faces 16 charges, including fraud by false representation, fraud by failing to disclose information, and unfair commercial practices.

The most serious allegation relates to Diana and Martin Hearnshaw, of Sardis. It is alleged that between January 30, 2022, and January 16, 2025, Billy Lovell dishonestly represented that he would complete clearance and gardening works worth £71,631, but failed to carry out work to that value.

He is also accused of offences involving Richard Gardner, of Penygroes, Carmarthenshire, Irene Williams, of Mathry, and Daniel Watts, of Ty Croes, Carmarthenshire.

Timothy Lovell faces ten charges arising from alleged incidents involving Richard Gardner and Irene Williams.

The allegations include claims that the defendants failed to provide accurate invoices, receipts, written contractual terms, cancellation rights and refund information. Some charges also allege that aggressive commercial practices were used, including harassment, coercion or undue influence.

No pleas were recorded. Because of the seriousness of the allegations, District Judge Mark Layton declined jurisdiction.

The case will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court on June 12.

Both defendants were granted conditional bail. They must not contact prosecution witnesses directly or indirectly, must live and sleep each night at their respective addresses in Under the Hills, Merlins Bridge, and must not undertake any gardening or landscaping work.