Crime
Police to crush e-scooters used in anti-social behaviour within 48 hours
Fast-track powers proposed to deliver swift justice and deter repeat offenders
A NEW crackdown on anti-social driving in Wales could see vehicles such as e-scooters, quad bikes and off-road motorcycles seized and destroyed within 48 hours under plans unveiled by the UK Government.
Currently, police forces must wait 14 days before disposing of vehicles used in anti-social behaviour. The proposed changes would slash that delay, aiming to stop offenders reclaiming their vehicles and reduce repeat offending.
The new powers are being proposed as part of a wider UK Government consultation launched today (May 28), which seeks to fast-track the removal and disposal of nuisance vehicles from streets across Wales and England.
As part of the consultation, ministers are also proposing to remove the requirement for police officers to issue a formal warning before seizing vehicles under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002.
South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Wools welcomed the move, saying:
“These new powers send a clear message to would-be offenders and local communities in Wales: swift justice will be delivered and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Sales of e-scooters and off-road bikes have rapidly increased, so today is an important step in tackling more serious crime in Wales, with the vehicles often used to facilitate drug dealing, organised acquisitive crime and serious violence.”
The move comes as part of the UK Government’s broader Plan for Change, which aims to increase police presence, clamp down on disruptive behaviour and deliver safer communities. It also follows an announcement that Wales will receive more than 150 new neighbourhood police officers by April 2026, with each neighbourhood having named and contactable officers by July next year.
Jessica Morden, Labour MP for Newport East, said the measures would be welcomed by residents.
“I know today’s announcement will be good news for many in Newport East, where concerns over the misuse of e-scooters are raised with me frequently,” she said.
“I introduced the E-scooters (Review and Awareness) Bill to Parliament last November because our laws lag behind other countries. Today’s steps are a significant move in the right direction.”
Public consultation now open
The public consultation will run for six weeks until Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Proposals include:
- Reducing the vehicle disposal timeframe under the Police Reform Act 2002 from 14 days to 48 hours
- Reducing disposal times for uninsured or unlicensed vehicles (Road Traffic Act 1988) from 14 days to 7 days
- Aligning disposal timeframes for vehicles seized under trespass laws (Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994)
- Updating statutory charges for vehicle removal, storage and disposal
The consultation is available at: GOV.UK – Vehicle removal, storage and disposal consultation
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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