Crime

Haverfordwest Woman Sentenced for Drug Offences

Published

2 years ago

February 21, 2024

AT Swansea Crown Court this week, Melissa Morris, a 30-year-old from Haverfordwest, has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison after admitting to a series of drug-related charges. The charges include possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of criminal property, possession of cannabis, and possession of amphetamine.

The court heard that police were called to Morris’s residence on Goat Street around 6 pm on January 10, following reports of a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers were greeted by Morris, who initially claimed to have been upset over her partner. However, a search of the premises revealed a significant quantity of drugs, including 62.238g of cocaine, valued at approximately £7,900, 11.3g of cannabis, and 1.8g of amphetamine.

Additionally, law enforcement found digital scales with powder residue, small packaging bags, and £850 in cash, which Morris attempted to dismiss as savings and holiday funds. She attributed the presence of the drugs to her ex-partner, suggesting he had left them behind.

Prosecutor Sian Cutter presented the evidence, while Morris’s defence, led by Dan Griffiths, highlighted her struggles with substance abuse and a series of challenging relationships. Griffiths pointed to Morris’s efforts to rehabilitate, noting her completion of a detox programme while in custody.

Judge Huw Rees, in his remarks to Morris, underscored the severity of her offences and the broader societal harm caused by drug distribution. He emphasized the need for Morris to make more constructive life choices moving forward.

Morris’s sentence includes concurrent terms for the possession of criminal property and possession of both cannabis and amphetamine, alongside the primary sentence for her cocaine charge. Judge Rees also decreed that the seized £850 be allocated to Dyfed-Powys Police for initiatives aimed at curbing drug trafficking.

This case sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by communities in West Wales in combating drug-related issues and the legal system’s efforts to address these concerns.

Crime

Begelly man remanded over alleged May Day assault

Published

7 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been remanded in custody following an alleged May Day assault against a woman in Begelly.

Tomas Baker, 34, of Ty Dee, New Road, Begelly, is accused of assaulting the woman, causing actual bodily harm, at an undisclosed location in Begelly on May 1.

Baker appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week by video link from Swansea Prison.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His trial will take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on June 22.

Crime

Waterston man denies child rape and sexual assault charges

Published

7 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A WATERSTON man has appeared before magistrates charged with 13 sexual offences against children, including three allegations of raping a girl under the age of 13.

Chaisee Price, 25, of Biggins Hill, Waterston, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

He faces three charges of raping a girl under 13, eight charges of sexually assaulting girls aged between five and eight, and two charges of intentionally inciting girls under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2014 and 2019.

Price denied all charges.

Because of the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court on July 10.

Price was released on conditional bail.

The conditions include a daily electronically monitored curfew between 6:00pm and 6:00am, no contact with the prosecution witness, no unsupervised contact with children under 18, and a requirement to surrender his passport to police.

Crime

Haverfordwest pair accused of £80,000 rogue trading frauds

Published

7 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

TWO men from a Haverfordwest traveller family have been described in court as “rogue traders” following a series of alleged frauds totalling almost £80,000.

Billy Alfred Gary Lovell, 38, and Timothy Dean Lovell, 36, both of Under the Hills, Merlins Bridge, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

They are accused of offences linked to ground clearance and gardening work in Mathry, Sardis and two addresses in Carmarthenshire.

Prosecuting on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Trading Standards Department, barrister Harry Dickens told the court: “These men have to be described as rogue traders.”

Billy Lovell faces 16 charges, including fraud by false representation, fraud by failing to disclose information, and unfair commercial practices.

The most serious allegation relates to Diana and Martin Hearnshaw, of Sardis. It is alleged that between January 30, 2022, and January 16, 2025, Billy Lovell dishonestly represented that he would complete clearance and gardening works worth £71,631, but failed to carry out work to that value.

He is also accused of offences involving Richard Gardner, of Penygroes, Carmarthenshire, Irene Williams, of Mathry, and Daniel Watts, of Ty Croes, Carmarthenshire.

Timothy Lovell faces ten charges arising from alleged incidents involving Richard Gardner and Irene Williams.

The allegations include claims that the defendants failed to provide accurate invoices, receipts, written contractual terms, cancellation rights and refund information. Some charges also allege that aggressive commercial practices were used, including harassment, coercion or undue influence.

No pleas were recorded. Because of the seriousness of the allegations, District Judge Mark Layton declined jurisdiction.

The case will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court on June 12.

Both defendants were granted conditional bail. They must not contact prosecution witnesses directly or indirectly, must live and sleep each night at their respective addresses in Under the Hills, Merlins Bridge, and must not undertake any gardening or landscaping work.