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Crime

Teenager avoids jail for Newgale crash that left campers injured

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A TEENAGER who crashed a car into a campsite in Newgale, injuring at least four people including a child’s mother, has been sentenced at Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, July 11).

Jack Thomas Hale of Simpsons Cross near Haverfordwest, now aged 19, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving following a late-night collision on August 12, 2023. He was 17 years old at the time and had passed his driving test only three weeks earlier.

The court heard Hale was behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta carrying five passengers—three in the back, and two in the front, with one sitting on the lap of another—when he lost control of the vehicle while approaching a bend on the A487 near Newgale.

The car veered off the road, flipped onto its side, and crashed into tents at the campsite. One tent contained a two-year-old child and another a small baby. Miraculously, neither child was injured, but three adults were seriously hurt and pinned by the vehicle. A doctor who was staying at the site provided immediate triage.

CCTV footage showed the vehicle travelling at 66mph on approach and still doing 55mph in a 30mph zone. Police found no mechanical defects.

Victim injuries

  • Oliver Copeland, 17, suffered broken vertebrae in his neck and underwent major surgery.
  • Paul Warburton sustained a dislocated hip, fractured clavicle, and rib injuries. He has PTSD and is unable to work.
  • Emma Lewis suffered third-degree burns, required skin grafts, and continues to face pain, trauma, and long-term limitations caring for her son.

The judge said: “You were driving at a highly inappropriate speed for that road and conditions—so fast you lost control and hit the kerb.” The car then “travelled over many tents,” he added, saying it was only “by luck and no thanks to your driving” that no one was killed.

Sentence
Despite the seriousness of the incident, Hale was spared immediate custody. He was sentenced to 20 months’ detention, suspended for 18 months. He must complete:

  • 250 hours of unpaid community work
  • 15 rehabilitation activity days
  • A 2-year driving disqualification, with an extended retest required.

The judge said the case fell within sentencing category A2 and initially warranted a four-year term due to the number of victims. However, this was reduced based on Hale’s age at the time, his guilty plea, genuine remorse, and the significant delay in the case reaching court.

Describing Hale as an “impressive young man,” the judge said: “You are at the start of your life. Your victims have aspirations too. Fortunately, they did not lose their lives—but you have affected them both physically and psychologically.”

 

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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