Crime
Sex offences hit record high at Welsh stations, warn police
SEXUAL offences at train stations across south Wales have reached record levels – and passengers using Pembrokeshire stations are among those affected.
Figures obtained by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice show that more than 100 sex crimes have been reported at south Wales train stations since 2022. All train stations in Pembrokeshire – including Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, Tenby, Fishguard & Goodwick, and Johnston – are policed by British Transport Police, who cover the rail network across the region.
In 2022, the force recorded 28 sexual offences at train stations in south Wales. That figure rose to 37 in 2023 and increased again to 38 over the past year.
The British Transport Police 2024 report shows that sexual offences on the UK rail network rose by 10 per cent in just one year – from 2,246 incidents to 2,475. Most victims were women.
A survey carried out by the force found that over a third of women had experienced sexual harassment or sexual offending during their rail commute – but many incidents go unreported.
Detective Chief Inspector Nia Mellor said: “Tackling sexual offences is our top priority. These crimes are historically underreported, so we’ve invested heavily in awareness campaigns to give victims the confidence to speak out. The rise in reporting is a positive sign that those efforts are working.”
Offences include groping, indecent exposure, cyberflashing and harassment. The force said its officers are carrying out both uniformed and plain clothes patrols, backed by a network of more than 150,000 CCTV cameras across the railway.
Passengers in Pembrokeshire are being urged to report any inappropriate or criminal behaviour. British Transport Police said smaller, rural stations are no less vulnerable to such crimes – especially during the busy summer months when tourism peaks.
Johnston railway station was recently named the worst in the UK for crime per passenger, with ten crimes reported in 2023, including four violent incidents. The figures were based on passenger numbers and crime reports submitted to British Transport Police.
Across the UK, crime on the rail network reached a record high last year. The force recorded nearly 80,000 offences in 2023/24 – an increase of 55 per cent compared to ten years ago. Violent incidents and sexual offences have both more than doubled over the same period.
The RMT union said: “These statistics are utterly shocking and show the unacceptable levels of violence that passengers and our members face. We believe more staffing is essential to a safer railway.”
British Transport Police is encouraging passengers to report sexual offences by texting 61016, calling 0800 40 50 40, or dialling 999 in an emergency.
Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice offers legal guidance and a 24-hour helpline for survivors of sexual offences. An online claim form is available on their website.
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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