Crime

Woman jailed over attempted knifepoint robbery at Milford Haven shop

Published

3 months ago

November 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Three years in prison following incident which was captured on the store’s CCTV system

A MILFORD HAVEN woman has been jailed after she and an accomplice tried to rob a corner shop while armed with a knife.

Bethan John, aged 25, of Howarth Close, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where she admitted attempted robbery and possessing a bladed article in a public place.

Her co-defendant, 31-year-old Jessie Thompson, from Plas Peregrine, Steynton, was sentenced earlier in the autumn. Thompson received three years and four months on September 26 for the same incident. John failed to attend that original hearing, claiming she could not afford to travel to court, and a warrant was issued. She was arrested on October 11.

Attempted robbery at Pill Corner Stores

Prosecutor Brian Simpson told the court that John and Thompson walked into Pill Corner Stores at around 5:45pm, wearing heavy coats with their hoods up and their faces covered. The shopkeeper, suspicious from the outset, stepped behind the counter.

The pair headed straight towards him. Thompson then pulled what the court heard was a “large knife” from her coat while both women demanded money from the till.

In a swift response, the shopkeeper grabbed a plastic milk crate and swung it at the pair, managing to knock the knife out of Thompson’s hand. With their plan quickly collapsing, both women turned and ran from the shop.

Footage of the incident, later shared widely on Facebook, showed the confrontation. John was identified by distinctive tattoos on her hand and the shoes she was wearing.

Clothing linked to both offenders, including their coats, was recovered from a nearby alleyway and behind a garage. The pair were arrested the following day at an address in Howarth Close. According to the prosecution, they told officers they had intended to hand themselves in the following Monday because they did not want to spend the weekend in custody.

Judge Paul Thomas KC sentenced Bethan John to three years imprisonment.

Crime

Teen given community order after assaulting police officer at hospital

Published

8 hours ago

February 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A TEENAGER from Neyland has been given a community order after admitting assaulting a police officer at Withybush Hospital.

Luke Davies, aged 18, of Springfield Avenue, Neyland, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 16) for sentencing.

The court heard that on July 9, 2025, at Withybush General Hospital, Haverfordwest, Davies assaulted PC Elliot Jamie Williams while the officer was acting in the execution of his duty. The offence is contrary to section 89(1) of the Police Act 1996.

Davies had previously pleaded guilty to the charge on January 6, 2026.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until August 15, 2027. The order includes participation in drug rehabilitation and alcohol treatment programmes for six months, both to be carried out as directed by probation, along with regular court reviews.

He must also complete up to 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirements.

Davies was ordered to pay £200 compensation and £85 prosecution costs.

The case will return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for review on March 16 at 10:00am.

Crime

Man sent to Crown Court over strangulation and assault allegations in Pembroke Dock

Published

9 hours ago

February 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A 46-YEAR-OLD man has been sent to the Crown Court to face multiple charges including intentional strangulation following an alleged incident in Pembroke Dock.

Fazlur Rahman, aged 46, of Lewis Street, Pembroke Dock, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 16).

The court heard he faces three allegations arising from an incident on February 13, 2026, at an address in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

The charges include intentional strangulation of a female, assault by beating, and racially or religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress, relating to words allegedly directed towards a police officer.

No pleas were entered at this stage.

Magistrates sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for trial under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Rahman was granted conditional bail. His bail conditions include not contacting the complainant directly or indirectly and not entering Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock. The court was told the conditions were imposed to prevent further offending, avoid interference with witnesses and ensure his attendance at court.

The next hearing, a plea and trial preparation hearing, is listed at Swansea Crown Court on March 20 at 9:00am.

Crime

Man remanded in custody over Tenby grievous bodily harm allegation

Published

9 hours ago

February 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 35-YEAR-OLD man has been remanded in custody after appearing before magistrates charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm following an alleged incident in Tenby.

Lewis Thompson-Gill, aged 35, of Worcester Road, Little Witley, Worcestershire, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 16) for a mention hearing.

The court heard he is accused of unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm on a woman on or about December 28, 2025, in Tenby. The allegation is contrary to section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

No plea was entered.

Magistrates remanded Thompson-Gill in custody. The court was told bail was refused due to concerns he was likely to offend, could cause injury or fear of injury to an associated person, and might interfere with witnesses or obstruct the course of justice. Previous record and character were also cited.

The matter was adjourned for a further mention hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday, February 23 at 10:00am, which is expected to take place via live video link.

A custody time limit has been set to expire on April 13, 2026. A trial is provisionally listed for March 2 at 2:00pm, with an estimated duration of two hours and 30 minutes.