Crime

Hundreds face court in council tax and business rates crackdown

Published

10 months ago

August 28, 2025

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL seeks nearly 500 liability orders at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday

HAVERFORDWEST Magistrates’ Court will hear more than 490 cases of alleged non-payment of council tax and business rates on Monday (Sept 1).

Pembrokeshire County Council is bringing complaints for liability orders in 461 cases of unpaid council tax. The applications are being made under regulation 34 of the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992.

In addition, the council will also apply for liability orders in 32 cases of unpaid non-domestic rates, brought under regulation 12 of the Non-Domestic Rating (Collection and Enforcement) (Local Lists) Regulations 1989.

Both sets of cases are listed for the 12:00pm to 1:00pm block in Courtroom One at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. The matter is scheduled before the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Magistrates’ Court panel sitting at 10:00am on Monday morning.

A liability order, if granted, gives the local authority powers to recover outstanding debts through enforcement agents, deductions from wages or benefits, or charging orders against property.

Council tax and business rate arrears are regularly dealt with in bulk at magistrates’ courts across Wales, with hundreds of defendants often listed in a single session.

Crime

Man wanted by court after failing to attend hearing over alleged shop thefts

Published

1 hour ago

June 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A MAN is wanted by the courts after failing to attend a hearing relating to a series of alleged shop thefts in Pembrokeshire.

Jack Morgan, of Pembroke, was due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) but failed to attend.

The court heard that Morgan faces several allegations of shop theft from businesses in Pembrokeshire.

The charges include the alleged theft of vodka from the Co-op in Pembroke Dock, along with food and drink items including sausages, crisps and Dragon Soop from The Green Garage.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place on various dates earlier this year.

After Morgan failed to attend court, magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest without bail.

He will now be brought before the court once located by police.

Court officials heard that the matters remain before the court and no pleas have yet been entered.

Crime

Shop theft admitted after alcohol stolen from Haverfordwest store

Published

1 hour ago

June 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A WOMAN has admitted shoplifting alcohol from a Haverfordwest store.

Esme Hoyle appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) charged with theft from a shop.

The court heard that Hoyle stole alcohol worth £17 from B&M in Haverfordwest on Sunday, April 6.

Hoyle pleaded guilty to the offence.

Magistrates sentenced Hoyle following her guilty plea and imposed financial penalties, including prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.

The court was told the offence related to a low-value retail theft from the town centre store.

Retail theft continues to place pressure on local businesses across Pembrokeshire, with stores increasingly reporting repeated incidents of shoplifting.

Crime

Man jailed after admitting strangulation and assaults

Published

1 hour ago

June 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A MAN has been jailed after admitting a series of offences including intentional strangulation, assaulting a police officer and assault by beating.

Darren Claypole, aged 52, of no fixed abode, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16).

The court heard that Claypole admitted intentionally strangling a woman during an incident earlier this year.

He also pleaded guilty to assault by beating and assaulting a police constable in the execution of their duty.

The offences were committed across separate incidents, with the court hearing details of repeated offending.

Claypole entered guilty pleas before magistrates Dr R Talbot-English, S Ley and A Smith.

He was sentenced to an immediate term of imprisonment.

The court also imposed a restraining order to protect the complainant and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge.

Magistrates said the offences were serious, particularly the strangulation allegation, which Parliament has recognised as a significant indicator of escalating domestic violence.