News

Jail for Eddie’s toilet attack

Published

10 years ago

February 2, 2016

AFTER being found guilty of two assaults the day previously, Charlotte Whelton appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jan 19) for sentencing.

Ellie Morgan, prosecuting, told the court that a 17-year-old girl and her sister were in the toilets of Eddie’s Nightclub with their friends on September 12 when they were assaulted by 27-yearold Whelton from Leven Close in Hook.

On the night, Whelton had barged into the complainant’s friend in the toilets and the 17-year-old victim said, “Please don’t push, say excuse me.”

“The defendant took umbrage with this and grabbed the young girl by the throat and pushed her into the wall,” said Ms Morgan.

The older sister tried to get Whelton off the young complainant, but the defendant did not let go of her younger sister’s throat.

The defendant beat off the older victim, who was shouting “Stop, let her go, she’s got asthma” repeatedly, leaving her arms covered in bruises.

Whelton also grabbed at the older victims hair, pulling her forward, but she stayed on her feet.

The younger complainant was described as going purple and red in the face by the older sister and their friends.

When Whelton finally let go of the younger girl’s throat, she slid down the wall.

One of the friends said that the complainant’s eyes rolled into the back of her head. She had lost consciousness.

The victim came around to see bouncers, the police and paramedics, while the defendant was pursued by bouncers.

At her trial on Monday (Jan 18), Whelton denied assaulting both of the girls, but she was found guilty by Magistrates.

Julie Norman of the probation service suggested that Magistrates should sentence Whelton to a high level community order.

She said that Whelton troubles the court very little and explained that the defendant maintains her not guilty plea and denies causing any injury.

Ms Norman told the court that Whelton lives alone as a single parent to two young children.

Mark Layton, defending Whelton, said that he believed that his client should be issued a suspended sentence instead of a community order due to the seriousness of the crime, commenting that it crosses the custody threshold.

“My client is clearly disappointed to be found guilty, but she accepts the courts findings and bears no animosity towards the complainants. We will not be appealing,” said Mr Layton.

Magistrates said that they were looking upon the offence very seriously and sentenced Whelton to an immediate 12 weeks in prison.

She will have to pay £620 in prosecution costs and an £80 victim surcharge. The younger complainant was awarded compensation of £150 and the older victim was awarded £50.

Mr Layton told the court that he and his client would be appealing the sentence and asked for bail pending the appeal.

He said that he was appealing the case due to the rights of Whelton’s children and commented that sending a single mother to prison should be a “last resort.”

Magistrates granted unconditional bail pending Mr Layton’s appeal.

Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Published

2 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests

DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.

The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.

Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.

Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.

A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.

Crime

Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls

Published

3 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.

Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.

The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.

Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.

The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

Finance

Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end

Published

3 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.

The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.

Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.

With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.

The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.

Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”

Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.

Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)