Crime

Labourer fined after stealing bag from unlocked car in Haverfordwest

Published

1 month ago

October 7, 2025

Court hears theft was an ‘impulsive mistake’ committed while drunk

AN IMPULSIVE decision to steal a handbag containing cash and bank cards from an unlocked car in Haverfordwest town centre has cost a self-employed labourer more than £1,000 in fines and costs.

Leigh Pettit, 26, approached the vehicle on January 5 while it was parked outside a property at Portfield, Haverfordwest. Inside, he found a bag containing a purse, several bank cards and £50 in cash.

He took the items and later used one of the stolen bank cards to make purchases at the Premier Stores in Market Street, the Peking House Chinese takeaway in High Street, and the Texaco garage on Fishguard Road.

“The victim had left her bag in the unlocked car and, when she returned, realised that all her items had been taken,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

After receiving a bank notification of fraudulent use at the Texaco garage, the victim was shown CCTV footage that clearly identified Pettit making the purchases.

“She recognised him, as she remembered him from when they were at school,” Ms Vaughan added.

The court heard that while the victim’s bank reimbursed the fraudulent transactions, the £50 in cash was never recovered.

Pettit, of Jury Lane, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to theft and three counts of fraud by false representation. He was represented in court by solicitor Tom Lloyd.

“It’s disappointing to see him here today, as he’s been in and out of trouble for many years but had recently found some stability,” said Mr Lloyd. “This was a very silly and impulsive mistake, committed while he was under the influence of alcohol.”

Magistrates fined Pettit £700 and ordered him to pay a £300 court surcharge, £85 in costs, and £50 compensation to the victim.

Crime

Man arrested on suspicion of murder after woman’s body found in Cardigan boatyard

Published

7 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Victim’s family informed as officers appeal for witnesses who were near the scene from Thursday night

POLICE have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a woman’s body at a boatyard in Cardigan.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called to Netpool Boatyard at around 12:35pm on Saturday (Nov 15) after the body of a woman was found.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

The woman’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

There has been an increased police presence in the town since Saturday afternoon, with officers cordoning off the Netpool slipway and nearby access roads. Late on Saturday night, a boat covered in black plastic sheeting was removed from the scene as part of the ongoing forensic investigation.

Detectives are appealing for information from anyone who may have been at, or seen activity around, the boatyard from 9:00pm on Thursday, November 13 onwards.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police via the website https://orlo.uk/olxMg, email [email protected], or call 101, quoting reference 144 of November 15. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crime

Boat removed from Cardigan scene as police probe young woman’s death

Published

9 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A BOAT covered in black plastic sheeting has been removed from the Netpool area of Cardigan as part of a major police investigation into the death of a young woman.

The vessel was taken away at around 11:30pm on Saturday (Nov 15) under police escort and is understood to form a key part of the ongoing forensic inquiry. Officers had cordoned off the slipway near the River Teifi throughout the day, with multiple police vehicles and scenes-of-crime teams attending.

Emergency services were first called to the location around lunchtime on Saturday (Nov 15) following a 999 call, and a large police response was reported soon afterwards.

A man was taken to hospital with serious injuries. His condition has not been confirmed, and Dyfed-Powys Police have not yet said whether any arrests have been made.

The woman, believed to be in her early twenties, has not yet been formally identified.

Police are expected to remain in the area while specialist officers continue their investigation.

The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for an official update.

Crime

Police investigate death of young woman in Cardigan

Published

22 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating following the death of a young woman in Cardigan this afternoon (Nov 15).

Officers were called to the Netpool area, near the River Teifi, where the slipway was cordoned off and access restricted while investigations were carried out.

A man was taken to hospital with serious injuries, according to local sources.

Dyfed-Powys Police have not yet formally identified the woman, who is in he early twenties, or confirmed whether anyone has been arrested.

The Herald has contacted the force for an official statement