Crime
Carmarthen man to face Crown Court over rape and abuse charges
68-year-old accused of rape, strangulation, false imprisonment and coercive control to appear at Swansea Crown Court next month
A CARMARTHEN man has appeared in court accused of a catalogue of serious offences, including rape, strangulation, and coercive control.
John Darker, aged 68, of Bron y Dre, Llangunnor, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Sept 25). The charges relate to incidents in Carmarthen on September 23, 2025, as well as an alleged pattern of controlling behaviour spanning several months.
Darker faces the following charges:
- Rape of a woman over 16 under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
- Intentional strangulation, contrary to the Serious Crime Act 2015.
- False imprisonment, alleged to have unlawfully detained the complainant against her will.
- Threats to kill, under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
- Assault by beating, contrary to the Criminal Justice Act 1988.
- Engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship between December 2024 and September 2025.
The complainant in the case is protected by lifelong anonymity.
No pleas were entered at the first hearing. Magistrates sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 9:00am.
The court certified that a full bail argument was heard. Darker was initially remanded in custody pending a prosecution appeal lodged the same afternoon. He is now on conditional bail, with restrictions including residence at his home address and not contacting the complainant.
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.
-
Local Government3 days agoFishguard children’s home application is a ‘legal test’, not planning merits decision
-
News6 days agoBarley Saturday brings bumper crowds to Cardigan
-
Community1 day agoDogs removed after welfare concerns at Milford Haven property
-
Sport6 days agoGoodwick United lift Senior Cup after 3-1 win over Monkton Swifts
-
Sport5 days agoNarberth seconds start season in new sponsored kit
-
News5 days agoSPECIAL FEATURE: Did Chernobyl affect children in Wales?
-
Crime3 days agoDrink-driver hit bicycle and failed to stop
-
Crime3 days agoPembrokeshire hairdresser avoids prison after pub assault







