HAVERFORDWEST Magistrates’ Court will hear the sentencing of a Milford Haven woman found guilty of possessing a prohibited breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Megan Poupard, aged 21, of Sunningdale Drive, Hubberston, was convicted on September 17, 2024, after pleading guilty to possessing an XL Bully—a breed falling under Section 1 of the legislation. The dog was examined by Dyfed-Powys Police, confirming it met the criteria for a fighting dog as outlined by law.

The case, which occurred on March 24, 2024, in Milford Haven, was adjourned in November to allow for DNA testing to confirm the animal’s breed. Poupard now faces a potential penalty of up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

Sentencing is scheduled for 10:00am on Monday, December 2, 2024. The Dangerous Dogs Act is a contentious piece of legislation aimed at curbing the ownership of breeds deemed dangerous to the public, often sparking debates about enforcement and breed-specific bans.

Updates on the case will follow as the court reaches its decision.

A 24-YEAR-OLD woman, Sophie Thomas, of Port Tennant, was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended, at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 29). This follows an incident at Proud Mary’s Pub last year, in which a woman sustained a 2cm gash to her forehead as a result of Thomas’s actions.

On November 3, 2023, Thomas and her sister entered the pub’s toilets, where the complainant’s friend accidentally spilled a drink over Thomas. Prosecutor Ian Wright told the court: “Miss Thomas threw a drink over the complainant’s friend, and the complainant then felt a sharp pain in her forehead as Miss Thomas threw a glass at her head.”

In a victim impact statement, the complainant said: “I found it hard to process that someone could have assaulted me in that manner. I have become conscious of my appearance and am still struggling with ongoing anxiety.”

Defence solicitor Paul Williams argued: “In November 2023, she behaved in a moment of madness that night—completely out of character and plainly in a fit of temper. She is shocked that her behaviour has caused injury to another person. Moreover, she has a nine-week-old son and is a new mother.”

Upon sentencing, Judge Harris said: “Instead of letting it go when the complainant’s friend spilled a drink over you, you reacted in the most aggressive way. You and your sister approached this group, shouting threats. You threw your drink over the group and then threw the cup at the complainant, striking her on the forehead. She sustained a 2cm-long gash to her forehead. Your actions were thoroughly reckless. The real driving force behind your behaviour was the excessive alcohol you consumed that night.”

Judge Harris sentenced Sophie Thomas to a six-month suspended sentence, alongside 150 hours of community service and a financial penalty of £1,000.

KEEP WALES TIDY, a leading environmental charity, partnered with Milford Haven Business Circle to host a successful community clean-up event, uniting local businesses and residents in a shared mission to protect and enhance the natural beauty of Pembrokeshire. The event, held on Wednesday (Nov 27) at 12:00pm on Charles Street, aimed to inspire collective action for a cleaner, greener Wales.

Tackling waste and restoring biodiversity

Keep Wales Tidy focuses on tackling litter, promoting sustainability, and restoring green spaces to boost biodiversity. The charity’s efforts include organising community clean-ups, advocating for environmental policies, and delivering education initiatives to embed eco-conscious practices across generations.

The Milford Haven event exemplified these goals, providing volunteers with equipment such as litter pickers and bags for a safe and productive afternoon. Participants cleared local areas of litter, helped restore green spaces, and contributed to creating a healthier environment for all.

Empowering future generations

A core part of Keep Wales Tidy’s mission is educating young people about the importance of protecting the environment. Through tailored programmes, the charity encourages schools to adopt sustainable practices, nurturing a sense of environmental responsibility from a young age.

Collaboration at the heart of the mission

Partnerships are a key strength of Keep Wales Tidy, which works with public bodies, businesses, and community groups to achieve its goals. The collaboration with Milford Haven Business Circle brought together local businesses, schools, and residents for a unified effort to improve the town’s environment.

A community effort with lasting impact

The clean-up event, lasting several hours, drew a diverse group of participants, from passionate environmentalists to families and colleagues looking to make a difference. Volunteers enjoyed refreshments and the satisfaction of contributing to a cleaner, more welcoming Milford Haven.

Kerry McCaughan, event organiser, said: “We were thrilled to partner with Milford Haven Business Circle for this clean-up event. It was a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together, make a real difference, and show pride in our local environment.”

Get involved with Keep Wales Tidy

For those inspired to take action, Keep Wales Tidy offers year-round opportunities, including beach cleans and biodiversity projects. The charity remains dedicated to mobilising communities across Wales to protect local environments and ensure the country remains a beautiful place for future generations.

For more information or to join upcoming events, visit Keep Wales Tidy’s website.