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Crime

Pembrokeshire vape shops back in court tomorrow as closure order case resumes

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Shops remain shut since emergency notices issued two weeks ago

TWO vape shops in Pembrokeshire which have remained closed since mid-April are due back before magistrates tomorrow (Thursday, May 1) as closure order applications continue.

KR Vapes in Milford Haven and Vape Zone in Haverfordwest were both the subject of emergency closure notices served on April 16 under section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The original hearing took place on April 17, but the matter was adjourned and is now listed to be heard again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

KR Vapes, based at 63 Charles Street, and Vape Zone, located at 33 High Street in Sovereign House, are both accused of being involved in serious nuisance or disorder, prompting the application for court-ordered closures.

Court records show that the applications were submitted by the same informant, believed to be acting on behalf of the local authority or police.

Under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, magistrates can issue a closure order if satisfied that the premises are linked to ongoing public nuisance, criminality, or disorder. If granted, the orders can last for up to three months, and be extended to six.

Both businesses have remained closed since the day before the initial hearing.

On April 18, The Herald spoke to the manager of KR Vapes, who said he didn’t expect the closure to last more than a month.

“I have a lawyer from London who asked for more time because we needed to get everything together and we didn’t have enough time. I think we will open again soon,” he added.

The second hearing is listed for 10:00am in Courtroom 1.

The Herald will report from court and provide updates as the case develops.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sentenced for offensive online messages

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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.

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Crime

Teenager faces Crown Court trial for knife threat in private home

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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.

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Crime

West Wales man jailed for terrifying knife-point robbery

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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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