Crime

Man in custody accused of intentionally strangling woman in Haverfordwest

Published

36 seconds ago

July 27, 2026

Court Reporter

Carl Rago is also awaiting sentence after admitting criminal damage to a police van and mobile phone

A CILGERRAN man has been remanded in custody after being accused of intentionally strangling a woman in Haverfordwest.

Carl Rago, aged 29, of Penffynnon, Cilgerran, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 23.

Rago is charged with intentionally strangling Kelly Marie Picton in Haverfordwest on May 25.

No plea has yet been entered to the strangulation charge and the allegation has not been proved.

The court also heard that Rago had previously indicated a guilty plea to criminal damage following a separate incident in Haverfordwest on June 7.

That charge states that he damaged the inside of a Dyfed-Powys Police Vauxhall van and a Samsung mobile phone belonging to the force. The damage was valued at less than £5,000.

Rago was remanded in custody until his next hearing at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on August 13.

The court record states that the decision to refuse bail followed concerns that he could commit further offences, together with an alleged breach of bail conditions, the nature and seriousness of the alleged offending, and his previous record.

Crime

Fishguard man banned from driving after failing to provide blood sample

Published

2 minutes ago

July 27, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Arnold Phillips was banned for 3 years and ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work

A FISHGUARD man has been banned from driving for three years after admitting that he failed to provide a blood sample during a police investigation.

Arnold Phillips, aged 35, of Pontfaen, Fishguard, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 23.

Phillips admitted failing without reasonable excuse to provide a specimen of blood for laboratory analysis in Cardigan on June 9.

The sample had been requested as part of an investigation into whether he had committed a road traffic offence.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order and ordered Phillips to complete 180 hours of unpaid work.

He was disqualified from driving for 36 months and must pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 court surcharge.

Phillips also admitted failing, without good cause, to provide a non-intimate sample to establish whether he had a Class A drug in his body while being held in police detention.

No separate penalty was imposed for that offence.

A separate charge alleging that Phillips drove a BMW without due care and attention on the A4076 in Cardigan was dismissed after the prosecution offered no evidence.

Crime

Pembroke Dock woman accused of neglecting three French bulldogs

Published

20 minutes ago

July 27, 2026

Court Reporter

RSPCA alleges dogs were not provided with suitable living conditions, adequate food, water or veterinary care

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has appeared before magistrates accused of failing to meet the welfare needs of three French bulldogs.

Lisa Jane Tania Bridgeman, aged 42, of Queen Street, Pembroke Dock, is charged in connection with the care of dogs named Pad, Teddy/Bear and Zorro.

The RSPCA alleges that, at an address in Tir Einin, Llanelli, on December 24, 2025, Bridgeman failed to take reasonable steps to ensure the animals’ needs were met.

The charge alleges that the dogs were not provided with a suitable environment or an adequate diet, including fresh drinking water.

It is also alleged that Bridgeman failed to provide adequate and effective treatment for flea infestations and resulting skin conditions, failed to maintain the dogs at an appropriate body condition, and failed to provide reasonable daily care and supervision.

The prosecution further alleges that the animals were not given the opportunity to exhibit normal behaviour.

Bridgeman was not present when the case was called at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on July 23.

No plea was entered and the allegations have not been proved.

The case was adjourned until September 10, when Bridgeman has been ordered to attend court. Magistrates warned that a warrant could be issued, or the case could proceed in her absence, if she does not attend.

Crime

Sex offender admits breaching police notification requirements three times

Published

4 hours ago

July 27, 2026

Court Reporter

Stephen Baldwin failed to report a change of address, foreign travel and complete his required periodic notification

A REGISTERED sex offender has admitted three breaches of the notification requirements imposed upon him.

Stephen Baldwin, aged 49, of Talley, near Llandeilo, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday, July 24.

Baldwin indicated guilty pleas to three offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The first charge stated that Baldwin failed to notify police of a change of address within the required three-day period on January 1 this year.

He also admitted failing to notify police of foreign travel within seven days of travelling on May 28, 2025.

A third charge related to Baldwin’s failure to complete a periodic notification which was due on April 24 this year.

The notification requirements apply to offenders who are required to keep police informed of certain personal details, including their address and overseas travel.

Baldwin was granted unconditional bail and will return to Llanelli Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on August 14.

The court ordered that a pre-sentence report be prepared.