Defendant sent to Crown Court after magistrates refuse bail

A MAN has been remanded in custody after appearing before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with burglary following an alleged incident at a house in Haverfordwest.

Ashley Rickard, aged 28, of no fixed abode but with an address listed as Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before magistrates on Thursday (Feb 26).

Rickard is charged with burglary of a dwelling and theft, contrary to Section 9(1)(b) of the Theft Act 1968. The court heard the allegation relates to an incident on February 20 at a property in Fleming Crescent, Haverfordwest, where two televisions of unknown value were allegedly stolen after entry was gained as a trespasser.

The case was sent directly to Swansea Crown Court under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Magistrates heard a full bail application but refused bail. The court was told there were concerns the defendant was likely to offend and had previously failed to surrender. It was also stated that the alleged offence took place while Rickard was on police bail and on licence, with previous breaches recorded.

Rickard was remanded in custody to appear at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, March 30 at 9:00am for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

The custody time limit in the case expires on August 27, 2026.

Rickard is represented by Mike Kelleher. The prosecution was led by Linda Baker. The bench comprised Mrs H Disney, Dr R Talbot-English, and Mr R Mathias.

A MAN from Swansea has been jailed after he was found guilty of the murder of a five-month-old baby.

29-year-old Thomas Morgan, from Gorseinon, had earlier pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jensen-Lee Dougal at home on Players Avenue, Clydach, which took place while Jensen-Lee’s mother was in work on March 31, 2024.

However, on Tuesday, February 10, a jury found him guilty of murder, as well as one count of GBH.

He has today been sentenced to 19 years in prison.

Following this week’s sentencing, Jensen-Lee’s mother, Jordan said: “Jensen-Lee was just five months old when his life was taken. He was completely innocent and entirely dependent on the adults around him to keep him safe.

“Since Jensen-Lee’s death, my life has been permanently changed. I live with overwhelming grief, trauma and emotional pain.

“I never had the chance to hear Jensen-Lee say he loved me. I will never hear him call me “mammy”. I will never see him take his first steps, speak his first words, start school, or grow into the person he was meant to be. Those moments were not just lost – they were taken.

“Due to what Thomas Morgan did, I have also received a life sentence, but mine is one of grief.

“Jensen-Lee will never be forgotten. I love you, Jensen-Lee.”

Detective Chief Inspector Lianne Rees said: “With today’s sentencing, we finally have justice for the terrible crime carried out by Thomas Morgan upon a defenceless baby boy.

“Thomas Morgan may now finally and rightfully be going to prison, but this will do little to alleviate the grief experienced by Jensen-Lee’s family, and especially his mother Jordan, who placed her trust into her then-partner Thomas Morgan to take care of Jensen-Lee, only to experience the ultimate betrayal.

“I want to pay tribute to the members of the public, first responders and everyone involved in the desperate efforts to save Jensen-Lee’s life, when faced with the most unimaginable and tragic circumstances back in March 2024. I also want to acknowledge the incredible dignity and strength shown by Jensen-Lee’s family throughout this painful journey.

“Lastly, I would like to thank the investigation team, Crown Prosecution Service and Prosecution Counsel for their continued hard work throughout what has been a very difficult investigation and trial.”

NSPCC Cymru Assistant Director, Carl Harris told The Pembrokeshire Herald on Thursday: “Morgan was entrusted to look after Jensen-Lee but instead, in a fit of uncontrolled rage, carried out a brutal attack which tragically led to the death of this little boy. It is heartbreaking to think about what Jensen-Lee endured in his final moments, and our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him during his short life.

“It is a sad reality that babies and young children are particularly vulnerable to abuse because they are completely dependent on the adults around them for care and protection.”

Anyone with a concern about a child can contact our free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 5000. People should call the police on 999 if a child is in immediate danger.

A CARMARTHENSHIRE driving instructor was four times over the limit on his way to a driving lesson.

Timothy Howells, aged 54, of Burry Port Carmarthenshire has been given an 8 week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months following his arrest on suspicion of drink driving.

At around 7:38am on Friday, February 20, police received a report of a single vehicle collision on the A484 between Pembrey to Kidwelly, where a car was found in a roadside ditch.

The driver, Timothy Howells, a local driving instructor, appeared heavily intoxicated to officers and provided an initial roadside breath test reading of 110 and was arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

A short time later while in custody, Howells provided a second evidential breath test reading of 132 – four times over the limit.

In interview, Howells admitted that when he was arrested by officers, he was on his way to collect a pupil for a driving lesson.

After appearing in Llanelli Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Howells has been given an 8 week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Chief Inspector Christina Fraser said: “Mr Howells was operating in a position of great trust and responsibility; Roads Policing officers have worked quickly in conjunction with colleagues, CPS and the DVSA, to ensure learner drivers and other road users have been safeguarded from an individual who presented a serious risk of harm.”