Crime

Man greeted police with illegal zombie knife in Haverfordwest

Published

1 year ago

February 25, 2025

A COURT has heard how Haverfordwest police officers became fearful for their safety after being greeted by a man carrying an illegal zombie knife.

Officers had been called to a property in Winch Lane, Haverfordwest, just after 10:00pm on February 5 following reports that somebody was ‘smashing up’ one of the flats inside Glebe House.

“When officers arrived they heard banging coming from the property,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

After knocking on the front door, the officers were greeted by 25-year-old Jack Mills.

“His right hand was hidden behind the door so that whatever he was holding couldn’t be seen,” said Nia James.

“When he was asked what was in his hand, Jack Mills moved to the centre of the door and officers could see that he was carrying a large combat-style knife. The officers became scared for their safety so they red-dotted him and instructed him to put his hands in the air and drop the knife.”

After retrieving the knife, officers could see that it had a serrated blade with the words ‘Kombat Tactical’ written on it.

“This meant it was a zombie knife, which is illegal to possess, even in your own home,” said Nia James.

After pleading guilty to being in possession of the illegal weapon in a private place, Mills’ solicitor, Mike Kelleher, said he was holding the knife out of concern for who may have been knocking on his door.

“A few days earlier someone had tried to break down his door, to the extent that the door frame was weakened and cracked,” he said.

“When the officers arrived, it wasn’t the defendant who was smashing up his flat, as the banging was coming from another flat upstairs.

“Someone then began banging on his front door and at the same time, an alarm started going off. The defendant was simply concerned about who might have been knocking on his door.”

Mr Kelleher told magistrates that Mills had bought the zombie knife before they were made illegal by new government legislation introduced in September 2024.

“This knife started off as a legal implement but has since become illegal,” he said. “Are people aware of this?

“It wasn’t used for any threatening purpose but stayed behind his back the whole time.”

Mr Kelleher informed magistrates that Mills is employed by a local construction company.

Mills was sentenced to 18 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months. He must also carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 120 hours of unpaid work. He was ordered to pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 costs while a destruction order was imposed on the zombie knife.

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.