Crime

Case reopened after emergency worker assaults in town centre incident

Published

8 months ago

July 15, 2025

A MAN convicted of assaulting two police officers and verbally abusing two women in Haverfordwest has had his case reopened—but his convictions and sentence remain in place.

DANIEL WATSON, aged 36, of Rowan Drive, Heybridge, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon (July 14) for a legal application under Section 142 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 to reopen his case.

The original conviction, imposed on May 13, 2025, was set aside and reheard in full. Following review, magistrates reimposed a community order with an increased duration.

The court heard that on April 24, 2025, Watson launched a series of abusive and violent acts in Haverfordwest, including:

Using threatening and abusive behaviour towards Tanya Sargeant and Beth Davies, causing them harassment, alarm or distress.
Assaulting PC 1162 James, a female police officer, and PC 1390 Rees, a male officer, during the incident.
Resisting PC James while she was carrying out her lawful duties.

All offences took place on the same day in the town.

Magistrates imposed a revised 18-month community order requiring Watson to complete up to 10 days of rehabilitation activity, extended from the original 12 months due to the serious nature of the offences.

Watson was also fined £480, ordered to pay £50 in compensation to each officer, a victim services surcharge of £114, and £85 in court costs, bringing his total financial penalty to £779. He must pay in instalments of £50 per month starting from September 8, 2025.

The offences were officially recognised as aggravated due to being committed against emergency workers acting in the course of their duties.

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

20 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

40 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.

Crime

Youth given conditional discharge after series of offences in Haverfordwest

Published

42 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A YOUTH has been given a conditional discharge after admitting a series of offences in Haverfordwest, including assault, shop theft and interfering with motor vehicles.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offences took place over a number of days in December 2025.

The court was told that on Saturday (Dec 6), the youth assaulted another child by beating them during an incident in the town. On the same date, they also stole two cans of Red Bull worth £5.40 from Tesco.

Further offences were committed on Tuesday (Dec 9), when the youth interfered with multiple vehicles at a vehicle repair workshop at Havens Head Business Park, Milford Haven. The offences involved attempts to interfere with vehicles with the intention of theft.

The youth appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where guilty pleas were entered to all matters.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge for each offence, taking into account the early guilty pleas.

The court also ordered the youth to pay £100 in compensation to the victim of the assault and £5.40 in compensation to Tesco. No order for costs was made due to the financial circumstances involved.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.