A HAVERFORDWEST man has been remanded on unconditional bail after admitting one assault charge, with a second allegation dismissed by the court.

William Gough, aged 42, of Three Meadows, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jan 7).

The court heard that Gough faced two charges of assault by beating, both relating to an incident on April 19, 2025.

He pleaded guilty to one count, having previously changed his plea, while maintaining a not guilty plea to the second charge. Magistrates dismissed the remaining allegation following consideration of the evidence.

Following his conviction for the admitted offence, the court remanded Gough on unconditional bail while reports are prepared ahead of sentencing. He is due to return to court on a future date, which will be confirmed.

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been given a suspended prison sentence after admitting a string of offences including drug possession, carrying an offensive weapon and multiple driving matters.

Simon Rees, aged 28, of Observatory Avenue, Hakin, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jan 7).

The court heard that Rees pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the legal limit, relating to an incident on August 26, 2025. That offence was before the court on several linked matters and was dealt with as part of the same sentencing exercise.

He also admitted possessing a Class B controlled drug (cannabis) on December 20, 2025.

In relation to a separate incident on November 5, 2025, Rees pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, as well as dangerous driving, using a motor vehicle without insurance, and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

The court also took into account a further offence of failing to attend for, or remain for the duration of, an impairment assessment, connected to the December incident. That matter was taken into consideration and attracted no separate penalty.

Magistrates imposed a suspended prison sentence, bringing together the most serious offences, and ordered that certain property be forfeited and destroyed. His driving record was also endorsed, with some matters resulting in no separate penalty as part of the overall sentence.

Rees was ordered to pay prosecution costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Judge tells 20-year-old arsonist to “grow up” after dangerous outburst

A YOUNG man who set fire to his girlfriend’s clothes following a drunken argument was told by a judge to “grow up” after admitting arson.

Callum Rees, aged 20, had been living with his partner of four months at an address in Johnston when the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday (June 16).

Prosecutor Brian Simpson told Swansea Crown Court that Rees returned home shortly after midnight after drinking with friends. An argument quickly developed between the couple, prompting his partner to leave the property to allow tensions to ease.

When she later returned, the house was filled with smoke.

Mr Simpson said Rees had gathered a pile of his partner’s clothes inside the property and deliberately set them alight.

Police were called at around 1.20am. As officers attended the scene, they spotted Rees walking nearby and arrested him.

During interview, Rees told officers he had started the fire after an argument in which his partner refused to return his passport and wallet. He claimed he extinguished the flames himself after realising the seriousness of what he had done.

Rees, of St Peters Road, Johnston, pleaded guilty to arson.

Defence barrister Jon Tarrant said his client was of previous good character and had no prior convictions.

“Although a fire was started, it was small in scale and the defendant stamped it out almost immediately,” he said.

Sentencing Rees, Paul Thomas KC was highly critical of his behaviour.

“He’s 20 years old but acting like a 14-year-old,” the judge remarked.

Addressing Rees directly, Judge Thomas added: “What you did was spiteful, foolish, and potentially very dangerous. You are fortunate that your former partner no longer supports this prosecution.”