Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Crime

20-year-old motorist banned after driving on cocktail of drugs

Published

on

A 20-YEAR-OLD motorist has been disqualified from driving after being found behind the wheel after consuming cocaine.

James Old was stopped by officers soon after 10.30pm on November 15 as he drove his Renault Kangoo along the A478 through Templeton.

“He was stopped as a result of the manner in which he was driving,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“The defendant was the driver and there was also a passenger occupant.”

A roadside drugs swipe proved positive and Old, of the Old Mart Ground, Narberth, was conveyed to a police custody suite for further blood tests to be carried out.  These confirmed he had 52 ug/L of cocaine and 785 cg/L of benzoylecgonine in his system.  The prescribed legal limit is 10 and 50 respectively.

Old pleaded guilty to the charge of driving when he was over the legal drug-drive limit.

He was represented in court by Mr Michael Kelleher.

“At the time, he was having problems in his life and was going down the wrong track,” he said.  “The night before he’d taken cocaine, and both drugs were still present in his system when he was stopped by police.”

Magistrates disqualified Old from driving for 12 months.  He was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and an £80 surcharge.

Why we cover court casesIn our commitment to transparency and public service, we diligently cover court cases to fulfill our role as a vital link between the judiciary system and the public. This coverage is not just about reporting events; it’s about upholding the principle of open justice, a cornerstone of democracy. By bringing light to the workings of the legal system, we ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done. This transparency helps in building public trust in the judiciary, educates our readers on legal processes, and highlights the societal impacts of the law. Moreover, our court reporting can often provide a voice to those who might otherwise be unheard, reinforcing the importance of accountability and fairness. Through meticulous coverage of court cases, we aim to inform, enlighten, and contribute to a well-informed public, fostering a more just society.

 

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

on

A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.

Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.

Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.

Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.

“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.

The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.

Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.

“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.

When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”

Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”

As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”

A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.

 

Continue Reading

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

on

A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

 

Continue Reading

Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

Published

on

A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.

 

Continue Reading

Community14 hours ago

Tenby phone signal crisis goes national as businesses warn of summer disruption

TRADERS SAY CARD PAYMENTS, TAXIS AND VISITOR SAFETY ARE BEING HIT BY ‘DEAD ZONE’ COVERAGE TENBY’S long-running mobile phone signal...

News19 hours ago

Final poll puts Plaid and Reform level ahead of Senedd vote

Labour faces historic setback as new modelling points to a hung Senedd PLAID CYMRU and Reform UK are projected to...

News2 days ago

West Wales coracle fishermen raise alarm over suspected sewage pollution

A CENTURIES-old fishing tradition on the River Towy could be under threat after coracle fishermen reported suspected sewage pollution entering...

Community3 days ago

Scooter rally brings colour and nostalgia to Tenby

TENBY is buzzing with the sights and sounds of classic scooters this Bank Holiday weekend as the Welsh National Scooter...

Entertainment3 days ago

Haverfoodfest returns to Haverfordwest town centre today

HAVERFORDWEST town centre is expected to be busy today as Haverfoodfest 2026 returns for a full day of food, drink,...

Crime4 days ago

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man. Henry Howlett, 70, of Market...

News5 days ago

Conservatives target two seats in new Ceredigion Penfro constituency

Paul Davies and Sam Kurtz say health, farming and transport are key as they seek return to the Senedd CONSERVATIVE...

Community5 days ago

Milford Haven Beer Fest returns to waterfront this May

EVENT WILL FEATURE 34 DRINKS, LIVE MUSIC AND STREET FOOD MILFORD HAVEN is preparing to raise a glass as Beer...

Community6 days ago

Cancer patients targeted with parking fines outside Haverfordwest support centre

Adam’s Bucketful of Hope says vulnerable users, elderly volunteers and charity drivers have paid more than £1,000 after Ateb introduced...

Charity6 days ago

Row erupts at Spitfire museum after Reform poster displayed at charity premises

A HAVERFORDWEST museum has become caught up in a political row after Reform UK campaign material was photographed inside the...

Popular This Week