Crime
Silverdale resident drove after drinking to escape ‘distressing living conditions’
A COURT has heard how a resident of Silverdale Lodge was so desperate to escape his difficult living conditions that he drove off in his van while intoxicated, following a drinking spree.
Bobby Williams, 41, was spotted in his parked vehicle by officers on the evening of March 4. When they spoke to him, he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Subsequent ANPR checks confirmed that he had been driving the van approximately ten minutes earlier.
A roadside breath test proved positive, and a further test at Haverfordwest police station showed he had 88 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath—more than twice the legal limit. However, Williams refused to provide the required evidential samples when requested by officers.
He appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week, where he pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis.
Defending, solicitor Tom Lloyd said that Williams had struggled to rebuild his life following a prison sentence for stalking his former partner.
“Things haven’t been easy for him,” said Mr Lloyd. “He used to be a self-employed builder in Newport [Glamorgan], but due to post-custodial licence conditions, he is no longer allowed to return there.
“He’s been living in Silverdale Lodge—this court is well aware of the challenges residents face there. The defendant isn’t used to that sort of lifestyle, and that night, things weren’t particularly comfortable. He went out with the intention of sleeping in his van. He just wanted to get away.”
Mr Lloyd added that since his release from custody, Williams had made significant progress with his probation requirements.
“He’s taken every step to address his behaviour and complied fully with probation. He’s doing extremely well,” he said.
Magistrates imposed a 24-month Community Order, including 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a 120-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. Williams was also disqualified from driving for 24 months and must pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.
Crime
70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach
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
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
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.
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