Crime
Carmarthenshire man jailed for sexually explicit messages to three children
Two-year prison sentence and decade-long SHPO imposed at Swansea Crown Court
A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been jailed for two years after he admitted sending sexually explicit messages and images to three girls under the age of sixteen.
Devon Wildgust, aged 22, of Lon y Gruglas, Ammanford, appeared at Swansea Crown Court today (Monday, Dec 15) for sentence. The court imposed a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which will significantly restrict his contact with children, as well as his access to devices and the internet. He must also comply with sex offender notification requirements.
Wildgust previously appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on November 24, where he indicated guilty pleas to three counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. All three victims are protected under Section 1 of the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 1992.
The offences took place over just six days, between 15 and 21 November 2025. During this period, Wildgust sent explicit and indecent images of himself — including photographs of his genitals — to three separate girls, each under sixteen. He also made sexually explicit comments and requested sexual acts. The court heard he did not reasonably believe any of the children were over sixteen.
Because of the seriousness, pattern and escalation of the offending, magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence under Section 14 of the Sentencing Act 2020. He had been on conditional bail, including daily reporting to Ammanford Police Station, until today’s hearing.
Following the sentencing, Predator Awareness and Red Rose UK issued a joint statement welcoming the outcome. They said: “Devon Wildgust is a dangerous sex offender who presents a massive risk to children. As a combined force we are determined to prevent further harm by intercepting communications online and bringing predators to justice.”
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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