Crime

Disgraced officer groped barmaid after rant about ‘horrible’ wife

Published

1 year ago

March 31, 2025

A PRISON officer with more than two decades’ service groped a young barmaid after “fake crying” and telling her she was nicer than his wife, a court has heard.

Michael Gardner, aged 46, was working at HMP Parc in Bridgend at the time of the incident in March last year. The Category B prison houses many inmates from Pembrokeshire and across South Wales. Gardner has since lost his job.

Swansea Crown Court heard Gardner had gone to a bar in the Neath area after watching a rugby match and appeared intoxicated. Prosecutor Ashanti-Jade Walton said Gardner began chatting to the barmaid and became emotional after his wife, who entered the bar shortly after him, attempted to get him to leave.

After his wife left, Gardner told the barmaid that his partner was “horrible”, began fake crying, and tried to hug her. He went on to tell her she was “nicer” than his wife and said he was going to go home with her that night.

The court was told the barmaid alerted her manager to what was happening, and a concerned customer intervened to check if she was alright.

Later in the evening, Gardner grabbed the barmaid’s left buttock and squeezed it. The bar manager ordered him to leave, but Gardner responded by becoming abusive and aggressive, shouting at staff and customers who tried to step in.

Police were called to the scene and found Gardner heavily intoxicated. Officers noted that his eyes were glazed and he was slurring his words. Upon arrest, he was found to be in possession of the bar’s electronic card reader machine.

Gardner, of School Road, Crynant, Neath, pleaded guilty to sexual assault on the day he was due to stand trial. He had previously admitted theft of the card reader at magistrates’ court. He had no prior convictions.

The judge described Gardner’s behaviour as “nothing short of utterly disgraceful and extremely seedy,” adding that the incident must have been “humiliating and embarrassing” for the victim.

David Singh, defending, said Gardner had been a prison officer for 21 years but was on sick leave for mental health issues at the time. He told the court Gardner had since accepted he was an alcoholic and had been sober for around 200 days. He described his client as “absolutely mortified” by his actions and said that while his wife remained supportive, their relationship had been significantly damaged.

Gardner was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work, attend a rehabilitation programme, and pay £500 in compensation to the victim. He will be registered as a sex offender for 10 years.

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

3 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

3 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

3 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.