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Crime

CCRC reconfirms John Cooper case still under review

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THE CCRC (Criminal Cases Review Commission) has confirmed to The Pembrokeshire Herald that its investigation into the convictions of John William Cooper remains ongoing.

The Herald first contacted the CCRC in 2024, when it confirmed that the case was under review. A further update in March 2025 confirmed the case was still active, and this week (Sept 10) the Commission has again stated that the review is continuing.

A spokesperson told The Herald: “I can confirm this case is still under review.”

The CCRC does not provide timescales for its work, but has said that complex reviews can take many months or even years, particularly when large amounts of evidence need to be analysed or new forensic testing is commissioned.

From World War Two to the dock

John William Cooper was born in Milford Haven on 3 September 1944, during the final year of the Second World War. Now aged 81, he is one of the oldest prisoners in the British system.

He was convicted at Swansea Crown Court in 2011 of four murders — Richard and Helen Thomas at Scoveston Manor near Milford Haven in 1985, and Peter and Gwenda Dixon, shot dead on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in 1989.

The jury also convicted him of a string of violent burglaries and a sexual assault.

Cooper, once a farm labourer and later an unemployed drifter, was linked to the crimes years later through advances in forensic science and fibre evidence, as well as witness testimony.

Operation and trial

Dyfed-Powys Police reopened the files in the early 2000s under “Operation Ottawa.” After a lengthy re-investigation, Cooper was arrested in 2009 and charged with the four murders, which had cast a shadow over Pembrokeshire for decades.

At trial in 2011, prosecutors argued that Cooper had carried out the killings for financial gain. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole-life tariff, meaning he is not eligible for release.

The case gained national attention in 2021 when it was dramatised in the ITV series The Pembrokeshire Murders, starring Keith Allen as Cooper and Luke Evans as DCI Steve Wilkins.

The current review

In April 2023 the CCRC confirmed it had accepted Cooper’s application to review his convictions, with his legal team submitting an application that reportedly ran to more than 1,000 pages. In February 2024, the Commission confirmed the review had formally begun.

More than two years later, the case is still being considered. When a decision is finally reached, the CCRC will inform Cooper, his legal team and victims’ families first, before issuing a public statement.

Although it is not known on what grounds Cooper has applied, past CCRC referrals in murder cases have often turned on new forensic testing, new case law, or undisclosed evidence.

The CCRC has said it will issue a public statement once a decision is made.

 

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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