Crime
Shop described as an ‘organised front for criminal activities’ loses alcohol licence
A SHOP described as an “organised front for criminal activities” has been stripped of its licence to sell alcohol.
At a meeting of Powys County Council’s Licensing sub-committee on Tuesday, September 23, councillors received an application to revoke the premises licence for the 7 Days Mini Store on Severn Street in Welshpool.
The licence review had been prompted by a raid this summer which found illegal cigarettes and tobacco with a street value of £5,000.
The hearing took place in the absence of the licence holder who had been “very difficult to get hold of.”
Repeated attempts to get them to appear had been made.
This included pausing the meeting for several minutes to give them a final opportunity of turning up to have their say.
Licensing Team Manager Natalie Jones explained that on July 2 a “targeted test purchase” had been conducted at the shop in which illegal cigarettes were sold.
Immigration officers
Following this, Dyfed-Powys Police, the Wales Regional Investigation Team and immigration officers all raided the premises.
During the investigation they found that the staff member that sold the cigarettes had “no legal right to work in the UK.”
A significant quantity of illegal cigarettes was also found and seized which lead to the police applying for the licence to be revoked
Ms Jones added that further objections relating to public safety and crime and disorder had been received from the council’s Trading Standards team and the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
Dyfed-Powys Police Licensing Officer Rod Bowen told the hearing that the designated premises supervisor is Samani Hossein who holds a personal licence which has been issued by Doncaster council.
He added that a search of Companies House confirms that the company 7 Days Mini Store Ltd is still active with Ahmadi Ali listed as its director having been appointed in April 2025.
Premises
Mr Bowen said: “It is the police’s opinion that the premises licence holder has operated the business in a way that fails to promote the key objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and the promotion of public safety.
“The police view is that the test purchase identified a number of offences being committed.
“The evidence found during this inspection clearly indicate that this premises is an organised front for criminal activity.”
Mr Bowen added that the police do not believe that this situation will change and the only option to address the “systematic failures” is to strip them of the licence.
The panel, chaired by Cllr Beverley Baynham (Powys Independents – Presteigne), with Cllr Josie Ewing (Liberal Democrats – Llandrindod South) and Cllr Ed Jones (Powys Independents – Old Radnor) in attendance, then retired to consider their verdict.
Upon their return, Cllr Baynham said: “Having considered the representation and evidence we’ve heard this afternoon the panel have taken the decision to revoke the premises licence.
“It is apparent that two of the licence objectives have been contravened.”
Licensing committee Solicitor Rachel Mole will now confirm the licence revocation in writing.
By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter
Crime
70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach
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
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
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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