James Belton had been accused of driving at 32mph through a 20mph limit in Houghton

TWO motoring charges against an Ambleston man have been dismissed after the prosecution offered no evidence.

James Belton, aged 58, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (July 27) for a scheduled trial.

Belton had been accused of driving a BMW X5 at 32mph through a 20mph limit in Houghton, near Milford Haven.

The alleged offence was said to have taken place at approximately 9.33am on October 21, 2025.

According to the charge, the vehicle’s speed had been recorded using laser equipment.

Belton also faced a separate allegation that he had failed to provide information identifying the driver of the BMW when requested by Dyfed-Powys Police’s Safety Camera Unit on October 28.

However, the prosecution offered no evidence in relation to either allegation.

Both charges were subsequently dismissed by the court.

An order was also made for Belton’s legal costs to be paid from central funds, with the amount to be assessed.

Robert Parker received a 24-week prison sentence for offences committed in Milford Haven, Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth

A MAN who indicated that he wanted to be sent to prison has been jailed for 24 weeks after admitting a series of public order, criminal damage and shoplifting offences.

Robert Parker, aged 43 and of no fixed abode, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (July 27).

Parker admitted damaging the door of the One Stop store in Charles Street, Milford Haven, on July 25.

He also pleaded guilty to using threatening or abusive words or behaviour towards Robert Morgan during the same incident.

The court imposed a 12-week custodial sentence for the public order offence and ordered Parker to pay £150 compensation to One Stop for the damaged door.

The official sentencing record said the offences demonstrated a “disregard to people and property”.

Magistrates concluded that the offences were so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence could be justified.

The record stated that Parker had indicated he would not comply with a suspended sentence and that “he wants to go into custody”.

Probation confirmed that Parker had a history of failing to comply with court orders and that there was no realistic prospect of rehabilitation through a community-based sentence.

Parker also admitted threatening or abusive behaviour towards Police Sergeant Samuel Barton at Castle Square, Haverfordwest, on July 11.

He received a further 12-week prison sentence for that offence, to be served consecutively, bringing the total custodial term to 24 weeks.

The court was also told that Parker had stolen two bottles of wine from Tesco in Aberystwyth on July 9.

He received a concurrent 12-week sentence for the theft and was ordered to pay £15 compensation.

Parker further admitted being drunk and disorderly on the Mount Estate in Milford Haven on July 15. No separate penalty was imposed for that offence.

An alternative criminal damage allegation and a separate allegation of being drunk and disorderly in Castle Square were withdrawn.

Parker received credit for his guilty pleas.

Fast-paced adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles comes to Milford Haven this October

SHERLOCK HOLMES is returning to the Torch Theatre this autumn in a riotously funny adaptation of one of his most famous mysteries.

The Torch Theatre Company will present The Hound of the Baskervilles for a limited run from Wednesday, October 7, to Saturday, October 17.

Adapted for the stage by John Canny and Stephen Nicolson, the production promises a fast-paced mixture of chaos, clues and canine capers as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic tale is transformed into a slapstick comedy.

Following the success of The Turn of the Screw in 2025, audiences will once again have the opportunity to see a professional production created in Pembrokeshire and featuring theatre talent from across Wales.

At the centre of the story is a mysterious death, a cursed family and a terrifying howl heard across the moors.

Sherlock Holmes and his trusted companion, Dr Watson, must investigate the supposed Baskerville family curse and save Sir Henry Baskerville before it is too late.

Featuring rapid costume changes, inventive staging and a comedy-packed script, the production has been compared to theatrical hits including The Play That Goes Wrong and The 39 Steps.

Torch Theatre’s award-winning artistic director, Chelsey Gillard, said: “What I love about this version is that it is packed to bursting with joy and adventure.

“The Hound of the Baskervilles is one of the best Sherlock mysteries. This play takes everything you love about Conan Doyle’s original and stuffs in as many jokes as possible, resulting in a wonderful theatrical experience like The Play That Goes Wrong or The 39 Steps.”

A British Sign Language-interpreted performance will take place on Tuesday, October 13.

Tickets start at £18 and are available by calling the Torch Theatre box office on 01646 695267 or visiting torchtheatre.co.uk.