Crime

Cardigan man fined for threatening behaviour in Aberporth

Published

11 months ago

July 30, 2025

A CARDIGAN man has been fined after admitting using threatening and abusive behaviour towards a woman in Aberporth.

Adam Smith, 35, of Hillfield Road, Parcllyn, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jul 28), where he pleaded guilty to an offence under Section 4A of the Public Order Act 1986.

The court heard that on 2 September 2023, Smith, with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress to Nichola King, used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. The charge also covered disorderly conduct that caused Ms King or another person harassment, alarm or distress.

Prosecutor Ann Griffiths told the court that the offence fell into the category of more serious public order matters because it was intentional and personally directed at the victim. A victim personal statement from Ms King was read aloud, describing the impact the incident had on her.

Section 4A of the Public Order Act makes it an offence to use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause a person harassment, alarm or distress. It differs from lower-level public order offences in that intent must be proven, making it a more serious matter before the court.

Magistrates, chaired by Mr J Ross, sitting with Dr R Williams and Mr R John, said they had taken into account Smith’s guilty plea when deciding sentence.

Smith was fined £120, ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs, and a £48 victim surcharge. A collection order was made for the fine to be deducted from his benefits. The court also ordered that the total must be paid in full within 28 days.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

4 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

5 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.