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Crime

Neyland man fined for reckless jet ski behaviour in Milford Haven

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A NEYLAND man has been fined after admitting multiple offences related to reckless jet ski use in Milford Haven, including failing to comply with harbour regulations and providing false information.

James Watts, 33, of Cambrian Road, Neyland, was sentenced at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on February 6 after pleading guilty to several breaches of the Milford Haven Conservancy Act 1983 and the Milford Haven Byelaws 1984. The offences stemmed from an incident on July 21, 2024, when Watts operated a jet ski at high speed in a designated no wake zone, disregarding the instructions of the harbormaster.

The court heard that Watts not only failed to comply with lawful directions but also provided false information when challenged. As a result, he faced multiple charges brought by the Milford Haven Port Authority.

Watts pleaded guilty to three offences:

  • Navigating or manoeuvring a jet ski in a manner causing danger or inconvenience: For this, he was fined £200, ordered to pay £2,000 in costs, and a £240 victim services surcharge was imposed.
  • Engaging in jet skiing without the harbourmaster’s permission: He was fined £200.
  • Endangering navigation within the haven: This resulted in another £200 fine.

Two further charges, including one relating to operating the jet ski while under the influence of drink or drugs and another for obstructing a harbour officer, were withdrawn.

A collection order was issued, and Watts has been ordered to pay his fines in monthly instalments of £100, starting March 6, 2025.

Following the prosecution, the Port of Milford Haven reminded leisure users of their duty of care when using the Milford Haven Waterway.

The waterway is a busy space balancing the needs of commercial operators and leisure users alike. While the Port oversees safe use, all users share the responsibility of behaving safely and understanding the rules before going afloat.

In this case, the jet ski user was found guilty of failing to uphold three of the Port’s byelaws, including aquaplaning in a minimum wake zone, resulting in fines and costs totalling £2,840. His actions endangered many waterway users, including around 40 small vessels and a commercial passenger vessel, as well as himself and his passenger.

Brian MacFarlane, Harbour Patrol Officer at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “The Port takes its duties to ensure safe use of the Milford Haven Waterway extremely seriously. This prosecution is an important reminder for all users that they have a duty to act safely both for themselves and for others while afloat. We’d remind everyone to re-read the byelaws which can be found in our tide tables and online before going afloat. Knowing and understanding the rules will help save lives and ensure everyone can safely enjoy this incredible Waterway.”

The Port provides information on safe use via its website and publications like tide tables and the leisure user guide. Throughout the season, the Port’s Harbour Patrol team offers guidance, advises on zonation, and can intercede to halt dangerous activity. Serious breaches can lead to prosecution.

For further information:

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

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A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

  • Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
  • Common assault
  • Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

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Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

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Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
  • A second count of assault
  • Criminal damage
  • An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
  • A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

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Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

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Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
  • Intentional non-fatal strangulation
  • Common assault on a woman
  • Criminal damage in a domestic context
  • Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
  • Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.

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