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Crime

Police block Brechfa rave as hundreds descend on remote woodland

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Officers issue dispersal order after overnight ‘well-organised’ gathering in Carmarthenshire countryside

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have intervened to shut down a large illegal rave after hundreds of people descended on a remote part of the Brechfa Forest area overnight.

The gathering, described as “well underway” when officers arrived late on Saturday night (June 21), involved a significant number of people and vehicles, prompting a swift tactical response from police under Section 63 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. The legislation allows police to prevent more people joining an unauthorised music event and to seize sound equipment where necessary.

A spokesperson said officers made the decision not to immediately disperse the crowd due to the scale and potential safety risks, instead focusing efforts on blocking further access to the site and containing the disruption.

A number of vehicles and attendees remained at the location into Saturday afternoon, but police say the crowd is now dispersing. Officers remain on scene and will continue their presence “until the area returns to normal.”

T/Superintendent Shaun Bowen said the illegal rave had caused “considerable anxiety and distress” to the local community.

He told The Herald: “This type of event causes disruption to those wanting to use the area appropriately, harms the environment and disturbs wildlife, which is why we act swiftly to shut them down.

“There is little doubt that these types of events are very well planned, organised, and that local knowledge is important in drawing down the main group to a particular field or area of land.”

Officers from neighbourhood policing and prevention teams are liaising with residents and partner agencies affected by the gathering, which is believed to have begun under cover of darkness on Friday night and continued into the morning.

One local resident told The Herald: “We could hear the bass thumping in the early hours. It’s not just the noise – it’s the disruption, the mess, and the worry about livestock and damage to the woodland.”

Police have urged anyone considering travelling to the area to think again, warning that they will be turned away on arrival.

T/Supt Bowen added: “We understand the strength of feelings in respect of this – both from those living in the area and from those wanting to attend who are seemingly unaware of the disruption these events cause.

“We ask you not travel to the area with the intention of joining a rave, as officers are there and you will be turned away.”

The Herald understands that investigations into potential criminal offences are ongoing. Officers are examining drone footage, dashcams, and local CCTV to identify organisers and possible offences under public order and environmental laws.

Police have not confirmed whether any arrests have yet been made.

Unwelcome noise: Police say raves like this one in Brechfa cause distress to communities and damage to the environment (Pic: Rave in Brechfa in 2018).

 

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

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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.

 

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Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

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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.

 

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Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

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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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