News

Prolific shoplifter stole over ‘benefits delay’

Published

8 years ago

January 2, 2018

A 28-YEAR-OLD shoplifter from Milford Haven was jailed for a total of 22 weeks at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Earlier today (Jan 2) after pleading guilty to her 43rd criminal offence – her 14th for theft – Kelly Louise Rees was put behind bars.

In her latest escapade, she had filled a trolley full of shopping at the Co-operative store in Kilgetty and brazenly walked out without paying. Her actions were undetected by store staff, but an eagle-eyed member of the public saw that she had not paid – and contacted shop management.

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, prosecutor for the CPS, told the court that the store checked the CCTV and it indeed showed the woman filling the trolley and walking out.

He explained that the police recognised the defendant, who was well known to them. He went on to explain that the defendant is subject a suspended prison sentence – and would likely now have to be sent to prison. He also asked the court to consider a figure for compensation, and to keep in mind that this woman has a bad record for sop lifting – however the value of goods taken was not known.

Defending, Mike Kelleher said that financial problems were the reason for the offending. He said: “You have heard from the press that once someone stops a benefits claim and re-starts – it takes time for payments to start again. The only money my client was getting was child benefit at £48 per week. She rang the council for food vouchers. She went to citizen’s advice. This is a case of more money being needed – but it didn’t arrive.”

Trying to explain that the theft was only for that which was necessary, Mr Kelleher went on to say: “This offence is groceries. Not alcohol, not frivolities. My client has written a letter which I ask you to consider. She is extremely concerned about going back to prison. It’s a frightening experience for her – and she is a woman with three children to look after.

But the court heard that it was only one day after coming off licence for the previous custodial sentence on November 27 that she went on her latest shoplifting spree – and Rees had only been released from prison on October 30.

The defendant sobbed as sentence was being passed – and the chairman of the bench had to ask her to keep quiet whist she asked for a new chance for the New Year.

Due to her 42 previous offences and 13 previous convictions are for theft – the magistrates decided to activate the suspended prison sentence for 16 weeks with a further 6 weeks in prison for the Kilgetty theft.

As well as the total of 22 weeks in prison Rees was ordered to pay £150 towards the victims of crime.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

54 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

1 hour ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

1 hour ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.