Crime

Jury to hear previous rape conviction in Morgan trial

Published

7 months ago

September 29, 2025

Court also rules on limits of defence questioning

A CROWN Court judge has ruled that jurors will be told about a Haverfordwest garage owner’s previous conviction for rape as part of his trial on a fresh allegation.

Ceri Morgan, 61, of Cardigan Road, denies raping a woman, aged 16 or over, between November and December 2009.

Legal arguments were heard on Monday (Sept 29) in the absence of the jury, who were sworn in earlier in the day and then released until Tuesday morning.

Prosecutors applied to introduce Morgan’s 1999 conviction for rape, committed against another victim. Normally, juries are not told about a defendant’s criminal record, but the Crown argued that the conviction showed a pattern of behaviour relevant to the current allegation.

Mr Recorder P Lewis agreed, telling the court: “It would be open to the jury to conclude, first, that the single conviction for rape does indeed establish a propensity to commit offences of the relatively rare kind now charged, and secondly, that as a consequence of such a propensity, it is thus more likely that the defendant is guilty of this offence.”

He stressed, however, that it remained “a matter for the jury” to decide whether the old conviction pointed to a pattern.

The judge also considered an application from the defence to cross-examine the complainant — who cannot be identified for legal reasons — about issues arising from the prosecution’s evidence.

While allowing limited questioning, Mr Recorder Lewis reminded counsel that the law restricts the scope of such cross-examination in sexual offence cases. “We have to stay within the bounds of section 41*,” he said. “It would be unfair otherwise, but I do think questions must be phrased around specific instances, not generalities.”

He added that if the prosecution led evidence about the relationship, “the defence must be entitled to explore that to the degree indicated.”

Mr Recorder Lewis said he was “concerned” about questions framed in vague terms and suggested they be “laser focused” on specific allegations.

The trial continues in Court 4 at Swansea Crown Court, with the jury due back at 10:30am on Tuesday (Sept 30) to hear opening remarks. Morgan remains on bail under strict conditions.

*Section 41 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 limits the extent to which a complainant in a sexual offence case can be questioned about their sexual history. Judges may allow only specific questions if they are directly relevant to the issues in the trial.

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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 day 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.