Crime

Teenager jailed for stabbing outside Milford Haven McDonald’s

Published

1 year ago

May 16, 2025

A YOUNG man has been jailed after a teenager was stabbed during a violent confrontation near McDonald’s in Milford Haven last summer.

The incident happened on the night of August 24, 2024, when a group of friends were confronted near the Victoria Bridge and later outside the fast food restaurant.

MCAULEY BROWN, aged 18, of Tower View, Marloes, pleaded guilty on the day of his trial at Swansea Crown Court to inflicting grievous bodily harm and threatening another man with a knife. The court heard he used what appeared to be a six-inch “zombie knife” to stab one of the victims in the shoulder and slash at another.

Two other teenagers — HAYDN BLOCKWELL, 18, of James Street, Hakin, and HAYDN ASHTON, 19, of Larch Road, Milford Haven — also admitted their roles in the incident by pleading guilty to affray.

Prosecutor Helen Randall told the court that the victims were initially threatened while crossing Victoria Bridge, as the defendants shouted from a passing car: “We’ll stab you up” and “We’ll shut you up”.

***The hearing took place at Swansea Crown Court this week (Image: Herald)***

Shortly afterwards, the vehicle returned and stopped near the McDonald’s. All three defendants got out. Brown, wearing a balaclava, punched one of the men before drawing a knife from his waistband and slashing at another victim while yelling: “I’ll slice you.”

The victim sustained cuts to his torso and fingers before being stabbed in the shoulder. He did not immediately realise he had been stabbed and only sought medical help after returning home.

Blockwell, who was unarmed, followed one of the victims shouting threats, while Ashton was said to be carrying a metal pole. All three fled the scene laughing after the stabbing, the court was told.

Police arrested the defendants shortly afterwards. Phone evidence showed that the driver — who has not been charged in connection with the violence — searched online for legal advice about stabbing incidents and exchanged messages with Ashton discussing what they might tell police.

Brown also admitted criminal damage after carving his initials into a police cell door.

Judge Huw Rees sentenced Brown to three years and two months in a Young Offender Institution. Blockwell was handed a 16-month term but was released immediately due to time served on remand. Ashton received a 13-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Brown had previous youth cautions for possession of a bladed article and common assault. The court heard that all three defendants expressed remorse for their actions.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

2 days ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

2 days ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.