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Crime

Five accused of knocking woman unconscious after funeral gathering

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Incident took place outside Castle Inn, Pembroke

FIVE Pembrokeshire residents have appeared before magistrates jointly accused of assaulting a woman and knocking her unconscious following a funeral in Pembroke town centre.

Samantha Birch, 49, Emma Birch, 27, Chloe Birch, 26, Daisy Bianchy, 36, and Sam James, 25, are all charged with assaulting Tonicha Jones during an incident alleged to have taken place outside the Castle Inn on July 6, 2024.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard this week that Ms Jones had attended the Castle Inn after a funeral earlier that day.

“The victim accidentally knocked over a drink that had been placed on another table, and all five defendants were angry with her,” said Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker. “She went outside and was assaulted by all five defendants.”

The Castle Inn, Pembroke (Pic: Geograph)

The Crown alleges Ms Jones was knocked unconscious during the assault and sustained bruising, lacerations, and cuts.

At the July 1 hearing, the bench – made up of Mr J Ross, Dr R Williams and Mrs J Morris – was told that two of the defendants admitted their part. Emma Birch and Chloe Birch both indicated guilty pleas and were committed to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

The remaining three – Bianchy, Samantha Birch and James – did not indicate pleas. Their cases were sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial. All three were granted unconditional bail.

Prosecutor Linda Baker said the Crown would be proceeding on the basis that the incident involved a joint assault. Defending the group were solicitors Tom Lloyd, Alaw Harries and Mike Kelleher.

The case will next be heard at Swansea Crown Court on August 1, 2025, when a plea and trial preparation hearing will take place for those contesting the charge.

After reviewing CCTV footage of the alleged incident, magistrates declined jurisdiction and committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for trial on August 1.

All five defendants were granted unconditional bail.

  • This article has been amended to correct the pleas of the defendants which was mixed up but our publication we apologise for any distress caused.

 

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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