Crime
Dock man collapses when sentenced for throwing hot meal over his wife

A PEMBROKE DOCK man has been jailed after throwing a plateful of hot food over his wife before throwing a punch directly into her face.
Photographs shown to District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court court on Tuesday showed Mrs Judith Poole with blood covering her face and food smeared throughout her hair.
This week her husband, Andrew Poole appeared before District Judge Mark Layton for sentencing after pleading guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm at a previous court hearing.
The assault took place at the couple’s home at Ferry Terrace, Pembroke Dock, on the evening of September 10 after Mrs Poole returned home from work an hour later than expected.
“The defendant was not pleased with this,” said Crown Prosecutor Nia James “Julia Poole warned up his food but the defendant said, ‘I’m not eating that s***’. He then grabbed the plate and threw its contents over Julia Poole’s head before punching her to the face.”
The couple’s 23-year-old son was present in the garden at the time of the assault. In a statement made to the police, he said he feared for his mother’s safety.
“I’m scared he will be violent towards my mother again,” he said.
Judge Layton was told that Poole has a history of domestic offences, including an assault committed against his step-daughter in 2009.
After considering the facts, Judge Layton sentenced Andrew Poole to 16 weeks in custody. Half of this sentence will be served in prison while the remaining sentence will be served on post-sentence supervision. He was ordered to pay a £154 surcharge and £85 costs.
Upon hearing his sentence, Poole collapsed to the floor in the dock at Haverfordwest magistrates court. He was helped to his feet by the custody guards and escorted to the cells.
Crime
Death at Pembroke Dock property sparks police probe – arrests made

Three in custody on suspicion of Class A drug supply following incident
A HEAVY police presence was seen on Glenview Avenue, Pembroke Dock on Tuesday evening (May 20) after emergency services were called to a medical emergency at a residential property.
Multiple police units and ambulances responded to the scene at around 7:30pm. Officers remained at the location throughout the night.
It has now been confirmed that one person sadly died at the property. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin and HM Coroner have been informed.
In a statement issued to The Herald on Wednesday afternoon (May 21), Dyfed-Powys Police said:
“Officers were called to assist paramedics following a report of a medical emergency at a property on Glenview Avenue, Pembroke Dock at around 7:30pm on Tuesday (May 20). Sadly, one person died at the scene.”
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. They remain in police custody.
Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death.
Crime
Milford woman to stand trial over assaults and criminal damage

A MILFORD HAVEN woman is due to stand trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 22) charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of criminal damage.
Karen Harper, aged 57, of Marble Hall Close, Milford Haven, is accused of assaulting two individuals during an incident on March 18 this year in Milford Haven.
Harper is alleged to have assaulted Jane Annettes, causing actual bodily harm, and also faces a separate charge of criminal damage after reportedly destroying a £100 necklace belonging to Ms Annettes during the same incident.
In a further charge relating to the same day, Harper is accused of assaulting Lee Dimmick, also causing actual bodily harm.
She has also been convicted of criminal damage to a Dyfed-Powys Police vehicle, admitting to damaging the cage door of a police van following her arrest. That charge was dealt with at an earlier hearing, but sentencing was adjourned to be considered alongside the remaining matters.
All offences are alleged to have taken place on March 18 and were previously adjourned from March 20 for a trial to be held.
The trial is scheduled to begin at 10:00am at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
Crime
Animal health team praised after conclusion of complex cruelty case

Father and daughter sentenced over prolonged animal welfare breaches
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Animal Health Team has been commended for its dedication and professionalism following the conclusion of a complex and long-running animal welfare case.
Richard Scarfe, of Park Street, Pembroke Dock, and his daughter Brogan Scarfe, of Woodbine Terrace, Pembroke, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (May 12) for sentencing, having earlier pleaded guilty to multiple offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The pair admitted causing unnecessary suffering to pigs, sheep, poultry and dogs between January 25, 2022 and April 18, 2023.

Richard Scarfe had previously been disqualified from keeping animals. His breach of the ban carried a starting point of immediate custody, but Judge Catherine Richards suspended his 11-month prison sentence for 12 months due to concerns over the impact on dependents.
In addition, he was handed a lifetime disqualification from owning or keeping animals, participating in the keeping of animals, or having any control or influence over the way animals are kept. This ban covers all species and cannot be reviewed for at least 10 years.
He must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work, undergo a 12-month mental health treatment requirement, and attend 15 rehabilitation activity days.
Brogan Scarfe was banned from keeping pigs, sheep, bovines, avians and dogs for five years, with no application for termination permitted for three years. She also received a 12-month community order, including 100 hours of unpaid work.
Following sentencing, Cllr Jacob Williams, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, praised the work of the council’s animal health officers.
He said: “The Animal Health Team provides support and advice to farmers to ensure legal compliance. In this case, guidance was offered at the outset, but repeated breaches left the council with no choice but to take formal action to protect the animals.
“Veterinary surgeons certified that the animals were suffering and issued a certificate allowing their seizure under section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act.
“This has been a protracted and complex case involving both civil and criminal proceedings. Animals are a proud and vital part of Pembrokeshire life, and the council’s animal welfare officers deserve great credit for their commitment to protecting their wellbeing and securing justice.”
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