Multiple offences committed while cockle bed was closed to protect stocks

THREE men have appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Feb 5) after illegally fishing for cockles from a closed cockle bed at the Three Rivers Cockle Fishery.

The court heard that Richard William Edwards, 44, of Fernhill Road, Gorseinon, Swansea, admitted fishing for or taking cockles from a closed bed on May 21, 2025. The prohibition was in force under the Cockle Fishing Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

Magistrates fined Mr Edwards £1,000 and ordered him to pay a £400 victim services surcharge and £400 in prosecution costs. A collection order was made, with payment due by March 5. His guilty plea was taken into account when sentence was imposed.

Brogan Morgan Phillips, 19, of Harddfan, Bryn, Llanelli, also pleaded guilty to fishing for cockles from the same closed bed on May 21, 2025. For that offence, he was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay a £1,200 victim services surcharge and £1,000 in prosecution costs.

The court also heard that Mr Phillips admitted a further offence at the same location on June 5, 2025. For that offence, magistrates imposed an additional fine of £1,000. A collection order was made, with a total outstanding balance of £5,200 to be paid by instalments.

Ethan Jay Thomas, 19, of Station Road, Bynea, Llanelli, pleaded guilty to fishing for cockles from the closed bed on May 21, 2025. Sentencing for that offence was adjourned.

Mr Thomas denied a second charge relating to an alleged offence on June 5, 2025. That matter was adjourned until March 19, when the case will return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for trial. Sentencing in relation to the offence already admitted will also be considered at that hearing.

Magistrates hear persistent loud music caused nuisance to neighbours

A NEYLAND resident has been fined thousands of pounds after repeatedly failing to comply with a community protection notice, Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard.

Beryl John, 75, of Gothic Road, Neyland, Milford Haven, was convicted in his absence on Thursday (Feb 5) of breaching a community protection notice on multiple occasions.

The court heard that on November 8, 10, 13, 23 and 29, 2025, John failed to ensure that persistent and continuous music played at an excessive volume from his property did not create a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those living nearby.

The offences were committed despite a community protection notice having previously been issued. Magistrates found the breaches proved in absence.

For the first offence, John was fined £1,000. John was also ordered to pay a £400 victim services surcharge and £1,000 in prosecution costs. No separate penalties were imposed for the remaining offences.

A collection order was made, with the total balance of £2,400 to be paid by March 5.

CHARITIES, volunteers and community groups from across Pembrokeshire gathered at Bluestone National Park Resort on Friday (Feb 6) to celebrate the growing impact of the Bluestone Foundation, which has raised tens of thousands of pounds for local causes.

Around eighty guests attended the event, held inside the resort’s Serendome, marking two years of focused community support through the foundation.

Supporters, staff and representatives from partner organisations came together to share success stories and highlight how funding has helped projects tackling environmental issues, wellbeing and social inclusion across the county.

Speakers included Marten Lewis, Chair of the foundation, alongside Mike Slack from Get The Boys a Lift, Barry John of the VC Gallery and Ellen Petts from FRAME, each outlining the difference local backing has made to their work.

Founded in 2010, the Bluestone Foundation was created to channel support from the resort into environmental, economic and social initiatives across Pembrokeshire. It works in partnership with Pembrokeshire Association for Voluntary Services to distribute grants and strengthen grassroots organisations.

In 2025 alone, more than £60,000 was raised and invested into local projects.

Groups supported range from environmental organisations including Sea Trust Wales, BlueGreen Cymru and Greener Growth CIC, to wellbeing initiatives such as ASD Family Help, Get the Boys a Lift and the No Shame Foundation. Creative and heritage groups including Little Grebe Creative CIC, Pater Hall Community Trust, Milford Haven Community Society, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and the VC Gallery have also benefited.

Organisers said the event was an opportunity not only to reflect on achievements so far, but to strengthen partnerships and encourage further community involvement.

More information about the Bluestone Foundation is available via Bluestone Wales’ website.