Crime
Council prosecutes parents over school truancy across Pembrokeshire
SEVEN parents from across Pembrokeshire have appeared before magistrates for failing to ensure their children attended school regularly, as the county council continues its clamp-down on truancy.
The cases, brought by Pembrokeshire County Council’s education welfare service, were heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Oct 17).
All related to children of compulsory school age who were repeatedly absent without authorisation earlier this year.
The parents – from Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, Marloes and Ambleston near Fishguard – were each prosecuted under Section 444 of the Education Act 1996, which makes parents legally responsible for ensuring their children attend school.
Fines ranged from £40 to £220, with additional costs and victim surcharges bringing total penalties to more than £3,000.
Some parents admitted the offences, while others were found guilty in their absence.
A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council told The Herald: “Our priority is always to support families and help children re-engage with education. Legal action is only taken when all other interventions have failed and attendance remains a serious concern.”
“We know absence can seriously affect a child’s wellbeing, learning and future opportunities. Early help and communication with schools are the best ways to avoid cases reaching court.”
Education welfare officers say attendance problems have increased since the pandemic, with anxiety, illness and family pressures among the main causes of long-term absence.
The council has boosted school-based support officers and data monitoring to identify issues sooner and provide early help.
According to Welsh Government statistics, average school attendance across Wales fell from around 94 per cent before the pandemic to about 90 per cent in 2024-25, with secondary schools seeing the sharpest drop.
The court reminded parents that persistent failure to send a child to school can lead to fines of up to £2,500 or, in the most serious cases, imprisonment.
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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