HAVERFORDWEST MAGISTRATES’ COURT will hear a series of littering cases tomorrow, with individuals from across Pembrokeshire and beyond accused of offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The cases primarily involve cigarette butts being dropped and left in public spaces, with locations spanning Pembroke Dock, Haverfordwest, Tenby, Milford Haven, and other towns.

The following individuals are set to appear:

1. Nathan Abbott, 30, of Hakin, Milford Haven
2. Alex Austin, 49, of Malvern, Worcestershire
3. Tim Benfan, 36, of Rugby, Warwickshire
4. Anthony Bevan, 39, of Pembroke
5. Melissa Bevan, 43, of Pembroke
6. Arron Bridges, 23, of Crundale, Haverfordwest
7. Daniel Brooks, 38, of Tenby
8. Dale Brown, 38, of Milford Haven
9. Stephen Charkes, 62, of Llanelli
10. John Cotton, 60, of Ledbury, Herefordshire
11. Chaves De Oliveria, 24, of London
12. James William Gwyn Dewhurst, 38, of Haverfordwest
13. Kevin Filer, 66, of Milford Haven
14. Barry Frost, 64, of Bradford, West Yorkshire
15. Andrew Griffiths, 41, of Aberdare
16. Robert Jeffrey Hamblin, 42, of Pembroke
17. Victoria Hodgson, 34, of Pembroke
18. Gerald Maddocks, 40, of Haverfordwest
19. Deana Sophia Mead, 31, of Milford Haven
20. Jacqueline Niblett, 63, of Hengoed
21. Micheal Raymond, 55, of Cowbridge
22. Shaun Tuxker, 38, of Haverfordwest
23. Liam Unsworth, 27, of Narberth
24. Shaun Manche, 41, of Milford Haven
25. Chelsea McLaren, 29, of Narberth
26. Marian Radoi, 40, of Haverfordwest
27. Leah Reynolds, 31, of Haverfordwest
28. James Stewart, 44, of Pembroke Dock
29. Andrew Stokes, 53, of Stourport-on-Severn
30. Nicola Wilkins, 48, of Swansea
31. Rhys R Williams, 24, of Tonyrefail
32. Ryan Williams, 45, of Swansea
33. John Wright, 41, of Pembroke Dock

Each case involves allegations of littering, primarily cigarette butts, in public places such as streets, car parks, and parks across Pembrokeshire. Offenders face maximum penalties of up to £2,500 under Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Authorities hope these proceedings will serve as a reminder to the public about the importance of maintaining clean and litter-free communities.

Pictured: Litter enforcement officer in Haverfordwest (Image: File)

EMERGENCY SERVICES are tackling a property fire in Ceredigion, prompting the closure of the A475 Drefach-Rhydowen road.

Dyfed-Powys Police have shut the road between the B4338 (Llanybydder turn-off) and the B4459 (Capel Dewi turn-off) to safeguard the public. Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

A police statement shared on Facebook said: “The road is currently closed due to an incident. Please avoid the area and find alternative routes for your journey.”

The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Wales Ambulance Service are on the scene, responding to the incident. Authorities were alerted to the blaze shortly after 2:00pm.

AA Traffic reports indicate significant delays in both directions due to the closure. Drivers are advised to plan ahead and expect delays.

Further updates will follow as the situation develops.

(Image: File)

THREE MEN from Merthyr Tydfil are facing serious charges following a violent incident at The Boathouse in Saundersfoot on Friday (Oct 28) 2022.

James O’Neill, 53, is accused of grievous bodily harm with intent. His son, Aron O’Neill, 25, and nephew, Shaun Nicholas, 24, are charged with causing actual bodily harm.

Confrontation caught on CCTV

The altercation, captured on CCTV, began after a reported dispute involving James O’Neill and the complainant, Stephen Kanauros. Witnesses testified that O’Neill struck Kanauros to the ground after an earlier confrontation with staff and an alleged incident involving Kanauros’ wife.

James O’Neill has previous convictions for actual bodily harm, dating back to 1989.

Witness accounts

Key witnesses gave evidence at Swansea Crown Court today, detailing the events leading up to the violent encounter.

Jasmine Kanauros, the victim’s daughter, recounted how her stepmother, Kate, was shoved by James O’Neill while dancing near the door. “She stumbled backwards, and that got everyone’s attention,” Jasmine said. Her father intervened, shouting, “That’s my wife,” before rushing to her defence. Jasmine described the moment their heads collided and hearing someone shout, “He’s biting him.”

Adam Bolwell, who was with Jasmine at the time, also described the escalation. “Stephen got up between Kate and the man, and then the kerfuffle happened again,” he said, adding that he later saw James O’Neill latch onto Stephen’s face during the struggle.

Harry Lewis, another witness, described the chaotic scene. “There was grappling, grabbing—so many people around him. It was like a tornado of people,” he said. Lewis also saw blood on the victim’s lip and a towel being used to stem the bleeding.

James Olliet, another onlooker, testified about seeing punches thrown and the aftermath of the fight. “I couldn’t tell if the blood on the man’s face was his or someone else’s,” he said. After the defendants walked away, shouting at staff, police arrived and reportedly recovered a piece of the victim’s lip near the pub’s entrance.

Gruesome discovery

Colin Barrett, a member of the band playing at the pub that night, testified about the gruesome discovery. “We had just started playing ‘Proud Mary’ when I noticed something going on,” Barrett said. Later, while loading equipment into a van, he found a piece of the victim’s lip outside the pub door. “I took a photo and zoomed in—it was the lip,” he told the court.

Medical testimony

Medical experts highlighted the severity of Stephen Kanauros’ injuries. A facial and plastic surgeon testified that the victim suffered a significant wound to his lower lip, a gum tear, and puncture wounds to his face and fingers. “The patient was taken to the theatre under local anaesthetic,” the surgeon said.

The trial continues.