Crime
Arrests made after brazen St Fagans burglary
“A crime against our national heritage,” say Welsh Conservatives
ARRESTS have been made following the high-profile burglary at St Fagans National Museum of History, which saw priceless Bronze Age artefacts stolen in what police described as a highly organised raid.
The Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Gareth Davies MS, has welcomed the development, describing the break-in as “a crime against our national heritage.”
Police confirmed that suspects have been detained in connection with the incident, which took place in the early hours of Monday (Oct 6). Thieves broke into the museum near Cardiff and escaped with items from its Bronze Age gold collection before officers arrived.
“Priceless artefacts that tell our story”
Mr Davies said the raid represented a calculated attack on Welsh culture and identity.
“St Fagans holds priceless artefacts that tell the story of Wales, of who we are and where we came from. To see these treasures stolen in such a calculated and callous act is devastating, not only for the museum but for the whole nation,” he said.
“I am relieved that the individuals alleged to be responsible have now been arrested and charged, and I’d like to thank South Wales Police for their decisive action. I hope that the stolen items can be recovered safely.”
Call for stronger protection
The Welsh Conservatives have called for tougher protection for cultural institutions and historic collections across Wales.
“People across Wales are sick and tired of seeing criminal behaviour, and they will rightly expect swift justice and tough punishment for those involved,” Mr Davies added. “Our cultural institutions and historic collections deserve the strongest possible protection so that future generations can continue to take pride in them.”
The burglary, which lasted just four minutes, saw the thieves make off with gold artefacts believed to include ingots, bracelets and a lunula necklace. South Wales Police have not yet confirmed whether any of the stolen items have been recovered.
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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