Case dismissed following trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court

A MAN from Milford Haven has been cleared of a sexual assault allegation after magistrates ruled there was no case to answer.

David Fletcher, 45, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 9) for trial.

He had been charged with sexual assault on a woman aged sixteen or over, contrary to section three of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The court heard the allegation related to an incident said to have taken place in Johnston, Pembrokeshire, on March 16, 2025.

Due to legal reporting restrictions, the complainant’s identity cannot be published under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.

During the hearing, the prosecution was represented by Dennis Davies, while Fletcher was represented by David Wheel of Welch & Co Solicitors.

After hearing the evidence presented by the prosecution, the magistrates ruled that there was no case to answer.

The bench, comprising Mrs J Morris, Mr C Pattison and Mr J Steadman, formally found Fletcher not guilty.

The case was dismissed and Fletcher was discharged.

First Minister Eluned Morgan says new law will improve access to public services for Deaf people across Wales

FIRST Minister Eluned Morgan has welcomed the passing of legislation recognising and promoting British Sign Language (BSL) in Wales, describing the move as a “historic moment for disability rights”.

Members of the Senedd voted to pass the British Sign Language (Wales) Bill, which will place new responsibilities on public bodies to improve services for BSL users.

The legislation will require organisations including NHS Wales, schools and local councils to review and adapt their services so that they actively facilitate and promote the use of BSL.

Eluned Morgan, Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, said the Bill marks an important cultural moment for Wales and for the Deaf community.

She said: “Representation is important. For many people in the Deaf community across Mid and West Wales, British Sign Language is their first language.

“This Bill lays the foundations for more meaningful use of BSL across our public services.

“While communicating in your first or chosen language in everyday life – such as during a medical appointment – is taken for granted by English speakers, that is not always the case for BSL signers.

“The passing of this Bill is a huge step forward in tackling the barriers and inequalities faced by this community in Wales.”

Morgan added that the legislation should lead to more accessible services in health, education and local government.

She said: “I am proud to see legislation pass that will create lasting improvements to the lives of BSL users in Pembrokeshire and across Mid and West Wales.

“This Bill was created with BSL signers at its heart, and that will continue as the policy becomes a reality.”

The Welsh Government says the new law builds on its previous support for BSL. Wales was the first UK nation to include BSL within the national curriculum, allowing both Deaf pupils and hearing students to learn the language.

Ministers say embedding BSL within education has helped Deaf signers develop and use their language while also broadening access to it among younger generations.

The legislation is expected to lead to improved access to public services and greater recognition of BSL across Wales.

Tenby man had faced harassment-related charge

A PEMBROKESHIRE man accused of breaching a restraining order has had the case against him withdrawn at court.

Christopher Marsh, aged 49, of Grove Court, St Florence, Tenby, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Mar 13).

Marsh had been charged with harassment by breaching a restraining order.

The allegation related to an incident said to have taken place on Tuesday (Mar 3), 2026.

However, during the hearing the prosecution withdrew the charge.

Magistrates therefore took no further action and the case was dismissed.