Crime

Pembrokeshire farmer sentenced for attack on ‘vulnerable” son

Published

7 months ago

September 23, 2025

Magistrates say farmer abused power and trust in attack on 19-year-old son

A PEMBROKESHIRE farmer has been sentenced after a court heard how he subjected his 19-year-old son to what prosecutors described as “emotional trauma.”

Philip Stoddart, 59, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Sept 23) for sentence after being found guilty of intentional strangulation, assault by beating, and criminal damage following an altercation with his son, Fraizer, at Monkhill Farm, St Ishmaels, on April 4.

The court was told that earlier in the day, Stoddart had asked his son to move stones from farmland using a quad bike. Fraizer, however, had undergone major knee surgery less than a month earlier and was reliant on crutches and a knee brace. When he refused, Stoddart became abusive.

At around 5:00pm, Fraizer approached his father’s caravan. Stoddart allegedly shouted insults at him, before grabbing him, dragging him across the yard, and throwing him against a truck. The Crown said Stoddart then struck his son’s jaw with his elbow before forcing him into a vehicle. Fraizer phoned relatives for help and was later removed from the farm by his grandfather.

Later that evening, Fraizer discovered his PlayStation console had been smashed. When he confronted his father, Stoddart destroyed the controller in front of him, before pushing him outside the caravan, pinning him against railings and pressing his forearm against his son’s neck, restricting his breathing.

In a victim impact statement read to the court by prosecutor Linda Baker, Fraizer said: “All my life I’ve wanted to be loved by my dad, but now I’m living in fear of seeing him, and the emotional turmoil is taking its toll. All I want is to be protected from my dad.”

Magistrates were told that Stoddart’s actions amounted to abuse of power and trust.

After considering a probation report, magistrates sentenced Stoddart to 26 weeks in custody, suspended for 24 months. He must complete 250 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity days. He was also ordered to pay £500 in compensation, £650 in prosecution costs and a £154 surcharge.

A two-year restraining order was imposed, banning him from contacting his son, entering his place of residence, or posting about him online.

The presiding magistrate said: “The victim was vulnerable, having undergone major surgery, and the incident involved domestic violence as well as abuse of power and trust. As a result, it crosses the custody threshold.”

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

1 hour 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

1 hour 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.

Crime

Hakin woman handed five-year behaviour order over household waste

Published

1 hour ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAKIN woman has been made subject to a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order after repeated problems involving household waste outside her home.

Marie James, 47, of John Lewis Street, Hakin, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates after being convicted of offences linked to accumulated rubbish at her address.

The court heard that James had failed to remove all refuse and household waste from 36 John Lewis Street, Hakin, in Milford Haven.

Magistrates imposed a Criminal Behaviour Order which will remain in force for five years.

Under the terms of the order, James must not engage in conduct causing alarm or distress to others within the perimeter of her address in Hakin. She is also prohibited from keeping, storing or accumulating household waste at the property.