Crime

Drunken fisherman caught with knife after takeaway incident

Published

4 weeks ago

April 16, 2025

A FISHERMAN who had been drinking swiped a kitchen knife from a town centre takeaway in Haverfordwest before getting into a confrontation outside a pub.

Swansea Crown Court heard that on the evening of September 28, Arturs Malkovs, aged 31, took a knife from inside Smash n Shake on Castle Square and tucked it into his waistband.

Malkovs, who had been staying in Milford Haven for work, was refused entry to Friars Vaults pub shortly afterwards.

Prosecutor Harry Dickens told the court that a scuffle then broke out outside the pub, during which the knife fell from Malkovs’ waistband and was kicked away by a bystander before being returned to the takeaway.

Malkovs walked away down Quay Street but was later arrested by police, who noted he was heavily intoxicated and in possession of 1.85 grams of cannabis.

During police interview, he admitted possessing cannabis but gave no comment to other questions. He was later fined £160 and ordered to pay £85 in costs for the drugs offence at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on October 15.

At a subsequent hearing at Swansea Crown Court, Malkovs, of Mamore Crescent, Fort William, admitted possession of a knife in a public place.

The court heard that his only previous conviction was in 2023, for driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Defending, David Singh said Malkovs was remorseful and had taken responsibility by pleading guilty.

“He recognises alcohol was the root of the problem,” said Mr Singh. “His time in custody has had a positive effect—he has been alcohol-free since.”

Judge Huw Rees said the incident may have seemed immature but carried serious risks.

“You did something juvenile, but it had a serious aspect,” said the judge.

“The production of a knife in public is dangerous—it can escalate situations and provoke violence. Nobody is saying you can’t have a drink in Haverfordwest or Milford Haven, but it must be within the bounds of acceptable behaviour.”

Malkovs was sentenced to 19 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months. He must complete 15 rehabilitation activity days and a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring programme.

Crime

Haverfordwest man cleared of rape and sexual assault charges

Published

3 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been found not guilty of rape and sexual assault following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

RICHARD MURRAY, aged 46, of Hill Street, had faced three charges relating to an incident in Narberth in August 2022.

He was accused of orally raping a woman, sexually assaulting her by touching without consent, and causing her to engage in sexual activity against her will.

Murray denied all the allegations.

After just over an hour of deliberation, the jury returned not guilty verdicts on all counts.

Murray was released from the dock and expressed his thanks to the jury as he left the courtroom.

Judge Paul Thomas KC thanked the jury before discharging them.

Crime

Warrant issued for Haverfordwest man who allegedly sent menacing messages

Published

15 hours ago

May 15, 2025

Court Reporter

A WARRANT has been issued for a Haverfordwest man who failed to appear at court to be sentenced for sending a series of grossly offensive and menacing messages.

Steven Butler, 39, of Douglas James Way, had previously pleaded guilty to an offence under the Communications Act 2003 after sending a number of messages via a public electronic communications network that were described as obscene, indecent, and threatening.

The offences took place between October 23 and October 29, 2024, and were intended to cause distress or anxiety to the recipient or others who might see or be affected by the content.

Butler had been due to attend Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (May 13) but failed to turn up. Magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest without bail.

The court heard the messages were “grossly offensive” and sent deliberately to cause harm. Prosecutor Ann Griffiths presented the case, with Mr Andrew Smith listed as defence.

Crime

Man due in court over alleged New Year’s Day GBH at Narberth pub

Published

15 hours ago

May 15, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN is due back before the courts later this month accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent during an incident at a Narberth pub.

Thomas Cuffe, aged 32, of the Cartref Hotel, High Street, Fishguard, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (May 13) for a first hearing relating to the alleged assault.

The case concerns a serious incident said to have taken place on New Year’s Day 2023 at The Eagle pub in Narberth. It is alleged that Cuffe unlawfully and maliciously caused grievous bodily harm to Wil Vallence, with intent to do him serious injury. The charge is brought under Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 – one of the most serious assault offences in UK law.

During the brief hearing, no plea was entered. The court was told that Cuffe’s current address is temporary, and the Crown Prosecution Service will seek an updated address from police. As a result, the case was adjourned.

Cuffe, who is represented by defence solicitor Mike Kelleher, is now scheduled to return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, May 27 at 10:00am. The prosecution is being led by Ann Griffiths.

The next hearing is expected to include a plea, and depending on the outcome, the case may be sent to the Crown Court due to its seriousness.