A SERIES of cases heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Oct 17) has highlighted the ongoing efforts to combat littering in the region, resulting in fines for several individuals who failed to keep Pembrokeshire’s streets clean.

John Arrowsmith, 38, of Montrose Avenue, Datchet, Slough, was convicted in his absence for depositing a rolled-up cigarette in Milford Haven on 5th April 2024. The court imposed a fine of £220, alongside an £88 victim surcharge and £266.66 in costs, bringing the total to £574.66.

David Baker, 57, of Charles Street, Neyland, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to dropping a cigarette butt on London Road, Pembroke Dock, on 8th March 2024. Acknowledging his guilty plea, the court fined him £40, with an additional £16 victim surcharge and £132 in costs, totalling £188.

Gavin Merryfield, 37, of Greenacres, South Cornelly, Bridgend, failed to attend court and was found guilty in his absence for littering with a cigarette butt on Sydney Rees Way, Haverfordwest, on 4th April 2024. He was fined £220, with an £88 surcharge for victim services and £266.66 in costs, amounting to £574.66.

Nikki Mitchell, 47, of Waterloo House, Tenby, also faced court in her absence for dropping a cigarette butt on St George’s Street, Tenby, on 10th April 2024. She was ordered to pay £220, with an £88 victim surcharge and £266.66 in costs, bringing the total to £574.66.

Phil Price, 51, of Ryan Close, Swansea, was found guilty of littering with a cigarette butt on Pier Road, Pembroke Dock, on 8th March 2024. The court fined him £220 and imposed an £88 victim surcharge and £266.66 in costs, totalling £574.66.

Rhys Thompson, 19, of Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, faced similar charges after he was caught littering with a cigarette butt on Water Street, Pembroke Dock, on 22nd April 2024. Convicted in his absence, he was fined £220, alongside an £88 victim surcharge and £266.66 in costs, making a total of £574.66.

Martin Willis, 57, of Tharsis Close, Cardiff, was convicted in his absence for leaving a rolled-up cigarette on High Street, Tenby, on 25th March 2024. His penalties included a £220 fine, £88 victim surcharge, and £266.66 in costs, totalling £574.66.

Stephen Richardson, 45, of Prendergast, Haverfordwest, admitted to littering with a rolled-up cigarette at Morrison’s, Haverfordwest, on 1st February 2024. The court took his guilty plea into account and imposed a fine of £123, with a £49 victim surcharge and £266.66 in costs, bringing the total to £438.66.

Chris Arther, of West End Farm, Haverfordwest, did not attend court but was found guilty of depositing a rolled-up cigarette outside the Co-op on Carmarthen Road, Kilgetty, on 3rd April 2024. He was fined £220, with an £88 victim surcharge and £266.66 in costs, totalling £574.66.

Sean Baker, 36, of Dew Street, Haverfordwest, was also found guilty in his absence for dropping a cigarette butt on the A477 in Tenby on 23rd April 2024. He faced a £220 fine, an £88 victim surcharge, and £266.66 in costs, amounting to £574.66.

All cases were prosecuted under Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, reflecting Pembrokeshire County Council’s commitment to keeping the county clean. The fines serve as a reminder of the financial implications for those who choose to litter, with most facing total penalties in excess of £500.