A MAN was found not guilty of GBH at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Feb 21) after throwing a glass at another customer in The Glendower Hotel, Goodwick, leaving him with a fractured eye socket.

After being cleared by the jury, Judge P. H. Thomas KC, addressing the defendant, remarked: “What the jury didn’t know is that you have a long history of violence. If you come before the court again, you should expect a sentence.”

Daniel Mitchell, of Dunster Close in Rugby but living in Goodwick at the time, had previously pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent in September 2024.

As the trial commenced, the court heard evidence from Mitchell regarding the incident, which took place in the Goodwick pub on April 18, 2023. He told the jury that there had been a longstanding disagreement over money he had lent to the complainant, £240 of which he claimed had not been repaid.

While sitting by the pool table, CCTV footage showed the complainant approaching Mitchell. Mitchell recalled: “I was feeling scared during the conversation. I felt like something was going to happen.” The complainant allegedly responded: “I only owe you £50.”

A heated exchange followed, during which CCTV footage showed the complainant moving towards Mitchell and pushing him backwards twice, nearly causing him to fall.

Mitchell claimed: “When he came for me again, I threw my whole glass at him from two metres away. I wanted him to get away and stop attacking me.”

He then fled the pub in a frantic state and sought refuge at a friend’s house in Fishguard. Later that evening, he walked 45 minutes back to his accommodation in Goodwick, where police found him hiding in a wardrobe upon arrest.

Prosecution counsel Georgia Donohue argued: “Throwing a glass in a man’s face was completely excessive, and you were not acting in proportionate self-defence.”

However, Mitchell’s defence countered that the jury “must assess it through the lens of the heat of the moment. Mr Mitchell’s main goal was to leave, and he was acting instinctively.”

Despite the prosecution’s argument that Mitchell had overreacted, the jury ultimately acquitted him of the charge. However, Judge Thomas’s remarks made it clear that Mitchell’s past history of violence was a concern, warning him that any future offences would not be treated leniently.

A NEYLAND man has been fined after admitting multiple offences related to reckless jet ski use in Milford Haven, including failing to comply with harbour regulations and providing false information.

James Watts, 33, of Cambrian Road, Neyland, was sentenced at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on February 6 after pleading guilty to several breaches of the Milford Haven Conservancy Act 1983 and the Milford Haven Byelaws 1984. The offences stemmed from an incident on July 21, 2024, when Watts operated a jet ski at high speed in a designated no wake zone, disregarding the instructions of the harbormaster.

The court heard that Watts not only failed to comply with lawful directions but also provided false information when challenged. As a result, he faced multiple charges brought by the Milford Haven Port Authority.

Watts pleaded guilty to three offences:

• Navigating or manoeuvring a jet ski in a manner causing danger or inconvenience: For this, he was fined £200, ordered to pay £2,000 in costs, and a £240 victim services surcharge was imposed.
• Engaging in jet skiing without the harbourmaster’s permission: He was fined £200.
• Endangering navigation within the haven: This resulted in another £200 fine.

Two further charges, including one relating to operating the jet ski while under the influence of drink or drugs and another for obstructing a harbour officer, were withdrawn.

A collection order was issued, and Watts has been ordered to pay his fines in monthly instalments of £100, starting March 6, 2025.

Following the prosecution, the Port of Milford Haven reminded leisure users of their duty of care when using the Milford Haven Waterway.

The waterway is a busy space balancing the needs of commercial operators and leisure users alike. While the Port oversees safe use, all users share the responsibility of behaving safely and understanding the rules before going afloat.

In this case, the jet ski user was found guilty of failing to uphold three of the Port’s byelaws, including aquaplaning in a minimum wake zone, resulting in fines and costs totalling £2,840. His actions endangered many waterway users, including around 40 small vessels and a commercial passenger vessel, as well as himself and his passenger.

Brian MacFarlane, Harbour Patrol Officer at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “The Port takes its duties to ensure safe use of the Milford Haven Waterway extremely seriously. This prosecution is an important reminder for all users that they have a duty to act safely both for themselves and for others while afloat. We’d remind everyone to re-read the byelaws which can be found in our tide tables and online before going afloat. Knowing and understanding the rules will help save lives and ensure everyone can safely enjoy this incredible Waterway.”

The Port provides information on safe use via its website and publications like tide tables and the leisure user guide. Throughout the season, the Port’s Harbour Patrol team offers guidance, advises on zonation, and can intercede to halt dangerous activity. Serious breaches can lead to prosecution.

For further information:

• Port of Milford Haven tide tables
• Port of Milford Haven Leisure User Guide
• Port of Milford Haven byelaws

RESIDENTS of Fishguard are being asked for their opinions on whether the running of Fishguard Town Hall should be transferred from Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) to the local town council.

The historic building, located in the town square, houses a market hall, public toilets, offices, the town’s library, a small art gallery, and the Last Invasion Tapestry gallery.

Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council first expressed interest in a community asset transfer in October last year. A month later, a working group of councillors was formed to explore the proposal, working alongside PLANED and Cwmpas, an economic and social change forum, to conduct research and fact-checking. Regular updates have been provided at full council meetings.

The working group is also collaborating with PCC’s Library Services to determine the future of Fishguard Library.

Public consultation began in December with drop-in sessions, followed by the launch of a questionnaire aimed at gathering residents’ views. Around 50 responses have been received so far, with more expected in the coming weeks.

A recent meeting between the town council, PLANED, and Cwmpas concluded that discussions with PCC are needed to clarify outstanding issues before any further steps can be taken.

In the meantime, residents are encouraged to take part in the consultation by completing the questionnaire, which is available on the Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council website and Facebook page. Paper copies can also be collected from various local venues, with town councillors distributing them in person.

The questionnaire seeks feedback on whether the town council should take over the hall, whether residents would accept an increased precept to fund it, and what services and activities they would like to see provided.

A town council spokesperson said: “Pembrokeshire County Council approached us last year regarding the possible transfer of Fishguard Town Hall. We are now consulting the public to gauge support for this move.

“We also want to hear residents’ ideas on how the hall could be used in the future. So far, we’ve undertaken several consultations and are continuing to expand these efforts. Moving forward, we will be working with PLANED and Cwmpas on a legal structure and business plan.”