Crime
Pembroke man spared jail for importing thousands of diazepam tablets
A PEMBROKE man who ordered tens of thousands of prescription drugs from overseas without permission has avoided an immediate prison sentence after admitting multiple importation and supply offences.
Joseph Whitbread, aged 39, of Grove Way, appeared at Swansea Crown Court today (Oct 9) where he was sentenced for bringing around 30,000 diazepam tablets and a quantity of pregabalin into the UK through Cardiff Airport in July last year. Both are class C controlled drugs.
The court heard that Whitbread, an oil-rig worker based in Ghana, had effectively been buying the medication online from overseas suppliers, importing it without Home Office authority. He told officers the drugs were intended for personal use and friends, but messages and quantities found by investigators suggested wider distribution.
Prosecutor Georgia Donohue said Whitbread was stopped by Border Force officers at the airport on July 14, 2024, with the tablets hidden in his luggage. Further inquiries revealed a second attempted importation on October 30, involving similar medication.
He pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply a class C drug and two counts of improper importation, along with two further charges of attempting to possess diazepam with intent to supply and improper importation in relation to the October incident.
Whitbread had no relevant previous convictions, though he had earlier appeared before magistrates for a drink-driving offence in Pembroke in 2024.
Defending, Hannah George said her client had already spent time on remand and was supporting his partner and children through work on an oil rig in Ghana.
“This defendant is capable of learning from his mistakes and there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation,” she told the court.
Judge Catherine Richards said the offences were clearly motivated by a desire to make money but accepted that Whitbread was remorseful and unlikely to reoffend.
She sentenced him to 14 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with conditions including 150 hours of unpaid work, 30 rehabilitation activity days, and a three-month curfew from 10:00pm to 6:00am, to be electronically monitored.
He must also pay a victim surcharge.
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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