Crime

Alleged fishing law breaches to be heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court

Published

2 years ago

December 10, 2024

HAVERFORDWEST MAGISTRATES’ COURT will host multiple cases tomorrow (Dec 11) concerning alleged breaches of fishing regulations in Pembrokeshire waters. These cases highlight ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with marine legislation aimed at preserving sustainable fishing practices.

Several individuals and companies from Belgium are due to appear, accused of failing to comply with fishing regulations. Among them are Rederij ARIS BVI (a firm) and Kevin De Groote, both charged with failing to maintain accurate logbook records for catches made by the fishing vessel Windroos (PLN: Z98) between September 20 and 30, 2023. These cases carry potential unlimited fines under the Fisheries Act 1981.

Other Belgian defendants include Yannick Bernard, Zeemansblik BVBA (a firm), and Vaya Con Dios BV (a firm), each accused of similar logbook inaccuracies involving their respective vessels during different periods. These charges also carry severe penalties, with cases adjourned from earlier hearings.

Two individuals, Deniss Ivanovs and Juris Liepins, along with Pentire Fishing Limited, face charges for allegedly fishing for whelks in the Welsh zone without the required permits earlier this year. Their cases, related to operations involving the vessel Amber Mabel (PLN: PW21), were previously adjourned and now return for further hearings. The maximum penalty for these offences under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 is a Level 5 fine.

The court will also hear cases involving Peter Nicholls and Joseph Linden Speirs, accused of contravening prohibition orders in the Three Rivers Estuary. Their alleged offences, including fishing for cockles during a closure period, breach the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967. These cases were also adjourned for further management.

Repeated adjournments feature prominently, with several cases delayed at the request of either the defence or prosecution. This highlights the complexities of prosecuting international maritime offences.

The Herald says: Tomorrow’s session underscores the court’s role in upholding marine laws, a vital step in combating overfishing and ensuring compliance with regulations designed to protect the UK’s marine environment.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

21 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

21 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.