A SHOP WORKER was robbed at knifepoint during a terrifying incident in Milford Haven on Saturday morning (May 17).

Pirintha Jeyanthirakumar, who was working her shift at the Pill Ship store on Pill Lane, described the ordeal as “scary” after a masked man entered the shop at around 10am and demanded money.

“I was very very scared, shocked,” she told The Herald. “I gave him the money and straight away I called the police.”

The suspect, described as a young man wearing a mask and a hoodie, reportedly demanded £50 before fleeing the scene.

Shop owner Mathan Sritharin, who was not present at the time of the robbery, told The Herald that police responded swiftly. “The police came quickly – within about 20 minutes,” he said.

When The Herald visited the premises at around 2:00pm, a police forensics officer was on site dusting for fingerprints and collecting evidence in an effort to identify the suspect.

The manager said that while they had reviewed CCTV footage, the individual was hard to recognise due to the mask. He added that it is possible the man is not from the local area, although this has not been confirmed.

Staff at the store said they intend to post the clearest possible CCTV image on the shop’s Facebook page. The Herald has agreed to share any images on its social media platforms to assist with the investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police. The police said: “We are appealing for information following a report of a robbery at a shop in Milford Haven this morning (Saturday, May 17).

“A call was received at 10am reporting that a man wearing a face covering and holding a Stanley knife entered the Pill Corner Shop on Pill Lane and demanded cash.

“He was described as being around 5’ 5” tall and was dressed in black. He possibly had black tights pulled over his face.

“When he left the shop, he ran towards Beech Hill.

“Anyone who saw a man matching this description, or who was driving in the area and might have dash cam footage of him, is asked to get in touch in one of the following ways:

| https://orlo.uk/SMiCo

| [email protected]

| 101

Please quote reference 100 of Saturday, May 17.”

A YOUNG man has been jailed after a teenager was stabbed during a violent confrontation near McDonald’s in Milford Haven last summer.

The incident happened on the night of August 24, 2024, when a group of friends were confronted near the Victoria Bridge and later outside the fast food restaurant.

MCAULEY BROWN, aged 18, of Tower View, Marloes, pleaded guilty on the day of his trial at Swansea Crown Court to inflicting grievous bodily harm and threatening another man with a knife. The court heard he used what appeared to be a six-inch “zombie knife” to stab one of the victims in the shoulder and slash at another.

Two other teenagers — HAYDN BLOCKWELL, 18, of James Street, Hakin, and HAYDN ASHTON, 19, of Larch Road, Milford Haven — also admitted their roles in the incident by pleading guilty to affray.

Prosecutor Helen Randall told the court that the victims were initially threatened while crossing Victoria Bridge, as the defendants shouted from a passing car: “We’ll stab you up” and “We’ll shut you up”.

Shortly afterwards, the vehicle returned and stopped near the McDonald’s. All three defendants got out. Brown, wearing a balaclava, punched one of the men before drawing a knife from his waistband and slashing at another victim while yelling: “I’ll slice you.”

The victim sustained cuts to his torso and fingers before being stabbed in the shoulder. He did not immediately realise he had been stabbed and only sought medical help after returning home.

Blockwell, who was unarmed, followed one of the victims shouting threats, while Ashton was said to be carrying a metal pole. All three fled the scene laughing after the stabbing, the court was told.

Police arrested the defendants shortly afterwards. Phone evidence showed that the driver — who has not been charged in connection with the violence — searched online for legal advice about stabbing incidents and exchanged messages with Ashton discussing what they might tell police.

Brown also admitted criminal damage after carving his initials into a police cell door.

Judge Huw Rees sentenced Brown to three years and two months in a Young Offender Institution. Blockwell was handed a 16-month term but was released immediately due to time served on remand. Ashton received a 13-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Brown had previous youth cautions for possession of a bladed article and common assault. The court heard that all three defendants expressed remorse for their actions.

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been handed a community order after admitting to sending offensive messages via social media.

Steven Butler, aged 39, of Douglas James Way, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court to a charge under the Communications Act 2003.

The court was told that between October 23 and October 29, 2024, Butler sent a series of grossly offensive and menacing messages intended to cause distress to the recipient, a female we have chosen not to name

He was sentenced to a 17-month community order, including 25 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours of unpaid work to be completed within 12 months.

A restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting Butler from contacting the woman or referring to her online, except via legal representation in relation to any proceedings.

The restraining order remains in force until November 14, 2026.

He was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge.