Crime
Former police CCTV operator admits coercive control and data offences
Llandysul man pleads guilty two days before Swansea Crown Court trial
A FORMER Dyfed-Powys Police CCTV operator has pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour and data protection offences just two days before his trial was due to begin.
Russell Hasler, aged 41, from Llandysul, was employed as a CCTV operator at Dyfed-Powys Police headquarters from May 2019 until November 2023.
He was arrested on 18 October 2023 by officers from the force’s Professional Standards Department on suspicion of coercive and controlling behaviour, computer misuse, and data protection offences.
Hasler resigned from his position while under investigation. He was later charged with all three offences and admitted the data protection offences on 5 March 2025.
The 41-year-old denied coercive and controlling behaviour until Monday (Oct 20), when he changed his plea to guilty, just two days before his trial at Swansea Crown Court was due to begin. He denied a further charge of computer misuse, and no further action is being taken in relation to that allegation.
Hasler is due to be sentenced on Monday 24 November at Swansea Crown Court.
Superintendent Phil Rowe, Head of Dyfed-Powys Police’s Professional Standards Department, said:
“Domestic abuse will not be tolerated within Dyfed-Powys – whether the offender is a member of the public or from within our organisation.
“As a force, we are committed to working towards the elimination of domestic abuse, and that is a priority not just within our communities but also internally here at Dyfed-Powys Police. We welcome this guilty plea and await the sentencing.”
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
-
Sport5 days agoNarberth seconds start season in new sponsored kit
-
Sport6 days agoGoodwick United lift Senior Cup after 3-1 win over Monkton Swifts
-
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







