Crime
Pembrokeshire drug addict jailed for crime spree

A PEMBROKESHIRE man whose life spiralled out of control due to drug addiction has been sentenced to eight months in prison following a series of offences across the county.
Rowan Clark, aged 24, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from Swansea Prison on Tuesday (Apr 16), having pleaded guilty to 12 separate offences committed while under the influence of drugs.
The charges included possession of a large knife in a public place, failure to attend a drugs assessment at Dyfed-Powys Police headquarters, interfering with a Blue Honda in Pembroke from which a Pandora bracelet and AirPods were stolen, and causing criminal damage to property belonging to Pembrokeshire County Council, valued at £602.78.
Clark also admitted damaging the door of Greathead and Whitelock Solicitors in Pembroke by kicking it—causing £62 worth of damage—as well as failing to surrender to custody after being granted bail.
He further admitted four separate thefts of alcohol totalling £105.60 and two thefts of groceries worth £55.90.
Clark, who is of no fixed address, was represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd, who told the court: “Each of these offences is linked to his issues with drug use. He’s also experienced homelessness, which has made things worse and led to more offending.
“When he’s clean, he’s a pleasure to be around. But he has gone on a downward spiral, and things have spiralled completely out of control.”
Mr Lloyd added that since being remanded in custody, Clark had begun to address his drug issues and was “benefitting tremendously” from the prison environment.
“He wants to better himself,” he added.
Magistrates were presented with a comprehensive probation report recommending immediate custody. Clark was sentenced to eight months in prison and ordered to pay £1,019.58 in compensation, £170 in court costs, and a £187 victim surcharge.
A forfeiture and destruction order was also made in relation to the knife.
Crime
Haverfordwest man sentenced for offensive online messages

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been handed a community order after admitting to sending offensive messages via social media.
Steven Butler, aged 39, of Douglas James Way, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court to a charge under the Communications Act 2003.
The court was told that between October 23 and October 29, 2024, Butler sent a series of grossly offensive and menacing messages intended to cause distress to the recipient, a female we have chosen not to name
He was sentenced to a 17-month community order, including 25 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours of unpaid work to be completed within 12 months.
A restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting Butler from contacting the woman or referring to her online, except via legal representation in relation to any proceedings.
The restraining order remains in force until November 14, 2026.
He was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Crime
Teenager faces Crown Court trial for knife threat in private home

A TEENAGER from Haverfordwest is facing trial at Swansea Crown Court after being accused of threatening a man with a kitchen knife in a private property.
KIAN KELLY, aged 20, of Milford Road, Haverfordwest, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with threatening a person with a bladed article in a private place.
The court heard that on March 8, 2025, Kelly allegedly threatened Benjamin Kelly with a kitchen knife at 22A Hill Street, Haverfordwest, in a way that posed an immediate risk of serious physical harm.
He also faces a separate charge of possessing a bladed article in a public place without good reason, and another charge of criminal damage to household items belonging to Margaret Kelly.
He pleaded not guilty to the knife charges and guilty to the criminal damage offence during a previous hearing on April 11.
Kelly was remanded on conditional bail with strict terms, including a nightly electronically monitored curfew from 8:00pm to 8:00am, and a prohibition from entering Hill Street or contacting any prosecution witnesses.
He is next due to appear at Swansea Crown Court for trial on September 18, 2025.
Crime
West Wales man jailed for terrifying knife-point robbery

A WEST WALES man who tied up a family and robbed them at knifepoint in their own home has been sentenced to 13 years in prison.
Larry Black, aged 38, from Swansea was one of two masked men who forced their way into a house in Llansamlet, brandishing a hammer and knives. The pair subjected the family to a terrifying ordeal, tying them up before stealing £500 in cash and a set of car keys.
Black, who has refused to reveal the identity of his accomplice, was caught following a detailed investigation by South Wales Police detectives. Officers tracked him down after gathering forensic and witness evidence linking him to the scene.
Despite the seriousness of the offence, the court heard that Black has shown no remorse for his actions and has declined to cooperate with police efforts to identify the second suspect.
He was handed an extended 13-year sentence, which includes time in custody and on licence, in recognition of the danger he poses to the public.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victims, who were targeted in the safety of their own home. Thanks to the work of our officers, a dangerous individual is now off the streets.”
Anyone with information about the second suspect involved in the robbery is urged to contact South Wales Police.
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