A MILFORD HAVEN woman is due to stand trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 22) charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of criminal damage.

Karen Harper, aged 57, of Marble Hall Close, Milford Haven, is accused of assaulting two individuals during an incident on March 18 this year in Milford Haven.

Harper is alleged to have assaulted Jane Annettes, causing actual bodily harm, and also faces a separate charge of criminal damage after reportedly destroying a £100 necklace belonging to Ms Annettes during the same incident.

In a further charge relating to the same day, Harper is accused of assaulting Lee Dimmick, also causing actual bodily harm.

She has also been convicted of criminal damage to a Dyfed-Powys Police vehicle, admitting to damaging the cage door of a police van following her arrest. That charge was dealt with at an earlier hearing, but sentencing was adjourned to be considered alongside the remaining matters.

All offences are alleged to have taken place on March 18 and were previously adjourned from March 20 for a trial to be held.

The trial is scheduled to begin at 10:00am at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Father and daughter sentenced over prolonged animal welfare breaches

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Animal Health Team has been commended for its dedication and professionalism following the conclusion of a complex and long-running animal welfare case.

Richard Scarfe, of Park Street, Pembroke Dock, and his daughter Brogan Scarfe, of Woodbine Terrace, Pembroke, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (May 12) for sentencing, having earlier pleaded guilty to multiple offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The pair admitted causing unnecessary suffering to pigs, sheep, poultry and dogs between January 25, 2022 and April 18, 2023.

Richard Scarfe had previously been disqualified from keeping animals. His breach of the ban carried a starting point of immediate custody, but Judge Catherine Richards suspended his 11-month prison sentence for 12 months due to concerns over the impact on dependents.

In addition, he was handed a lifetime disqualification from owning or keeping animals, participating in the keeping of animals, or having any control or influence over the way animals are kept. This ban covers all species and cannot be reviewed for at least 10 years.

He must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work, undergo a 12-month mental health treatment requirement, and attend 15 rehabilitation activity days.

Brogan Scarfe was banned from keeping pigs, sheep, bovines, avians and dogs for five years, with no application for termination permitted for three years. She also received a 12-month community order, including 100 hours of unpaid work.

Following sentencing, Cllr Jacob Williams, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, praised the work of the council’s animal health officers.

He said: “The Animal Health Team provides support and advice to farmers to ensure legal compliance. In this case, guidance was offered at the outset, but repeated breaches left the council with no choice but to take formal action to protect the animals.

“Veterinary surgeons certified that the animals were suffering and issued a certificate allowing their seizure under section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act.

“This has been a protracted and complex case involving both civil and criminal proceedings. Animals are a proud and vital part of Pembrokeshire life, and the council’s animal welfare officers deserve great credit for their commitment to protecting their wellbeing and securing justice.”

A MILFORD HAVEN man has avoided a custodial sentence after breaching the terms of a post-prison supervision order.

Liam Roberts, 32, of Marble Hall Road, was released from custody earlier this year following a 16-week sentence. As part of his release conditions, he was required to attend regular probation appointments until February 2026.

However, in February this year, Roberts failed to attend one of the scheduled meetings, prompting enforcement action.

He appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week and pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the supervision requirements.

Defence solicitor Tom Lloyd told the court that Roberts is the primary carer for his mother, who is undergoing treatment for cancer.

“He’s a tremendous source of help to her and she is heavily reliant on him for day-to-day support,” said Mr Lloyd.

“He is now keen to comply fully with the order and re-engage with probation services.”

Magistrates imposed a £60 fine and ordered Roberts to pay £60 in probation enforcement costs.