Crime

Owner sentenced after Shetland ponies found in poor condition —one died

Published

1 year ago

February 18, 2025

A WEST WALES man has been sentenced after two Shetland ponies—one dead and one alive—were found in a severely poor body condition.

Stephen Edward Griffiths (born 12 December 1962), of Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire, appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Feb 13) for sentencing after pleading guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

The court heard that Griffiths caused unnecessary suffering to a male Shetland pony by failing to investigate and address its poor body condition. He was also convicted of failing to ensure the needs of two ponies—a female grey Shetland and a male skewbald Shetland—by not providing a suitable environment, adequate diet, or treatment for rain scald and lice infestation.

Griffiths was sentenced to a 16-week prison term for each offence, to run concurrently, suspended for two years. He was also disqualified from keeping equines for 10 years, given a one-year community order, ordered to complete 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days, and told to pay £250 in costs. The court heard he was remorseful.

RSPCA investigation

RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben visited the location on June 18 last year following concerns raised about the welfare of two Shetland ponies.

“When I arrived, I observed a dead grey Shetland pony in thin condition with hair loss. A chain was attached to a collar around its neck but not secured to anything at the other end,” he said.

Nearby was a skewbald Shetland pony in an emaciated state. Its spine and ribs were clearly visible, and it had a skin condition. The pony had been sprayed with purple spray and was tethered by a chain to a tree.

A bucket of water was found near the pony, but the caller who alerted the RSPCA had placed it there.

Griffiths told Inspector Hogben that the grey Shetland pony had been dead for a few days but he had been unable to move the body due to a broken tractor. He also claimed he had only had the ponies for a few months and had rescued the skewbald pony from Cross Hands.

Veterinary findings

An equine vet attended and deemed the skewbald pony fit to travel. It was later signed over into RSPCA care.

In a witness statement, the vet described the skewbald Shetland stallion as being in very poor condition, tethered on a short chain of approximately eight feet.

“He had very limited access to forage due to the tether, and the available space was well grazed. He also had a severe lice infestation,” the vet said. The pony was given a Body Condition Score of 0.5 out of five.

The dead grey Shetland mare was also in extremely poor condition, with a Body Condition Score of 0.5 out of five.

“Her spine and spinous processes were protruding, her ribs were clearly visible despite her long coat, and her pelvis was skeletal. She had been dead for several days,” the vet reported.

Rescue and recovery

The male Shetland pony, later named Groovy Bob, has since recovered following veterinary treatment and has been rehomed by the RSPCA.

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.

Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.

Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.

Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.

“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.

The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.

Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.

“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.

When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”

Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”

As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”

A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.