News

Assault on police constable

Published

11 years ago

November 4, 2014

A MAN who damaged several windows, assaulted a police constable, used threatening behaviour and entered part of a dwelling as a trespasser was dealt with at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Andrew Rees Watkins, aged 20 of Tan Bank pleaded guilty to all four charges. Prosecutor, Ellie Morgan said: “On Saturday (Aug 9), officers on patrol in Haverfordwest were called to Stokes Avenue at 4.10am regarding a male throwing stones at windows. Police arrived and they were told by a lady, who was awoken by the noise, that she saw Watkins throwing the stones at her property, and some had gone through the glass. At 4.15am, somebody else called the police regarding somebody throwing stones at their windows but had left. At 4.53am, he was back outside the property and had stolen the house keys from inside the porch.

He also kept shouting and asking him to come out for a fight. “When officers arrived, they called at Watkins’ home address and he came out and shouted ‘F*** off will you’. he tried to shut the door in the officer’s face, but the officer had stopped the door with his foot. Other officers at the scene reported that Watkins was using all of his strength whilst trying to close the door. Officers used pepper spray on Watkins and forced the door open. They shouted at him to calm down and used an open palm to his face to stop him pushing. He continued to resist and was lashing out.

He became more and more aggressive and Officer Early felt a blow to her face. Her tooth had gone through her lip and she said it felt like her tooth was loose. The defendant instantly said sorry when he realised what he’d done. “He had been out for a drink with friends and had gone to Labyrith and Eddie Rocks. He had six double vodka and cokes and a pint of lager. He had gone back to his street and started throwing stones, and couldn’t explain why. He was shouting to get the male out of the house and said ‘I was p***** and stupid. If he came out I probably would have hit him’.

He says he doesn’t know how he hit the officer, but it must have been during a struggle and that it was unintentional.” Defence solicitor, Gareth Phillips said: “Watkins pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. He said sorry to the officer and apologised whilst in the police vehicle. In terms of the burglary matter, he’d been friends with the complainant since they were children. Text had passed between them and it followed on from there.He went into the porch and took the key, he didn’t enter the house. He thought it would be funny to hide his key in the garden, but of course, it isn’t funny at all.

He was trying to prevent the officers from entering him home. Drink was involved and he acted recklessly.” Probation officer, Julie Norman told the court: “This is not a very pleasant incident. He had finished work and gone out socialising with friends. He recently had a falling out with the complainant where he’d received texts from the day before that he’d ignored, but alcohol influenced his decision. He regrets the whole thing and hasn’t been out since the incident. He feels that when he drinks vodka it makes him irate so doesn’t drink it.” Magistrates told Watkins: ‘We believe this is a one off offence’ and imposed a 12 month community order with the requirement of completing 150 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £50 compensation to Officer Early, £85 cost and £60 victim surcharge.

Charity

Donation gives Stackpole Quay book trailer fresh new look

Published

7 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A COMMUNITY donation will help spruce up a popular summer book trailer at Stackpole Quay after members of the Pembrokeshire National Trust Association handed over more than one thousand pounds to support the project.

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association presented a cheque for £1,095 to the National Trust at Stackpole Quay this weekend.

The cheque was formally given to Rhian Sula, General Manager for the charity’s Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Bay portfolio, by association chairman Jane Mason during a National Trust information coffee morning at the Stackpole Centre.

The money will be used to refurbish the well-known second-hand book trailer which operates at the quay during the summer months. The trailer allows visitors to pick up a holiday read while making a donation, with proceeds supporting local conservation and access projects.

Last year alone, the trailer raised more than £1,500.

Jane Mason said the association had originally funded the purchase of the trailer several years ago and wanted to build on its success.

“Our new donation from members’ support will improve the trailer with updated imagery and design,” she said. “This will help the National Trust present a more professional, welcoming and brand-aligned offer, and potentially grow donation income.”

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association runs a programme of talks, visits and guided walks in support of local Trust properties. Membership of the National Trust is not required to join the association. Annual membership costs £5 for individuals and £8 for couples.

At its AGM in November, the group announced £3,000 in additional donations for local projects, including replacement willow hurdles at Tudor Merchants House, footpath improvements at Little Milford, and a new bench, tree planting and path works at Southwood.

With the latest contribution towards the book trailer, the association’s donations for the current financial year now exceed £4,000.

Photo caption:

Jane Mason presents a cheque for £1,095 to Rhian Sula at Stackpole Centre (Pic: supplied).

Crime

OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters

Published

8 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.

Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.

The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.

His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.

Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.

Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.

Crime

Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls

Published

8 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.

Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.

The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.

She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.

As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.

Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.

She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.