Crime

Carmarthen mother carried out £94,000 benefit fraud over five years

Published

8 months ago

September 13, 2025

A CARMARTHEN woman has been handed a suspended prison sentence after falsely claiming almost £94,000 in benefits she was no longer entitled to.

Dawn Hopkins, aged 44, continued to receive income support, carer’s allowance, child tax credits and housing benefit for years after her son was taken into local authority care in 2018. Swansea Crown Court heard she failed to notify the Department for Work and Pensions, HMRC or Carmarthenshire Council of the change in circumstances, and carried on claiming until 2023.

The prosecution said her original claims had been legitimate, but once her son was no longer living with her, she deliberately chose not to declare it. Over a five-year period, she received overpayments totalling £93,838 – made up of around £40,000 in income support, £31,000 in tax credits, £20,000 in carer’s allowance and £3,000 in housing benefit.

Hopkins was interviewed in February 2024 after officials received information about her situation. She told investigators she thought social services should have informed her of the rules, and claimed she did not realise she was responsible for reporting the change.

Defence barrister Hannah George said Hopkins had “buried her head in the sand” and accepted she had acted wrongly. She told the court her client was remorseful and had no previous convictions.

Judge Geraint Walters described the fraud as “flagrant, clear and deliberate,” calling Hopkins’ behaviour “disgraceful.” He told her: “The public are not impressed by spongers who dupe the state when resources are so limited.” He went on to remark that “every bone in my body tells me this woman should go to prison,” but explained that the sentencing guidelines prevented him from doing so.

The judge added that Britain had become a country where “people think they are entitled to everything and responsible for nothing,” warning that such crimes damage public confidence in the benefits system.

Taking into account Hopkins’ early guilty plea to four counts of failing to notify a change in circumstances, the judge imposed a 10-month prison term, suspended for two years. She must also complete a rehabilitation programme and a mental health treatment requirement.

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

4 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

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.

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

6 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

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.

Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

Published

6 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

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.