Crime

Milford man jailed for ‘sustained and merciless drunken assault’

Published

2 years ago

June 12, 2024

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been sentenced to two years and two months in prison following a brutal assault on a man who had an affair with his ex-partner. The attack occurred after David Davies, 31, of George Street, had spent the day drinking heavily in a local pub.

On the evening of April 6, Davies and the victim were both present at The Lord Kitchener pub in Milford Haven, though they were not drinking together. According to Prosecutor Georgia Donohue, the two men encountered each other on the street after leaving the pub in the early hours of the morning. An exchange of words quickly escalated when Davies punched the victim in the face, knocking him to the ground.

Davies then straddled the victim and continued to punch him repeatedly before delivering three additional kicks once he got off. A witness reported seeing Davies filming the two-minute assault on his mobile phone. The attack left the victim with two black eyes, a split lip, a swollen nose, and blood in his mouth, which he later coughed up.

Following the incident, Davies attended Haverfordwest Police Station, where he was arrested on suspicion of assault. Blood marks were found on the shoes Davies confirmed he had worn during the attack. After being shown CCTV footage of the incident, Davies made full admissions, confessing he had been drinking since 11am and had consumed 20 pints of cider along with some spiced rum.

Davies, who has three previous convictions for eight offences, pleaded guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. His defence counsel, Jon Tarrant, noted that Davies had not committed any offences since 2013 and had no history of violent crimes. Tarrant explained that Davies had been provoked by a combination of factors, including an argument with his ex-partner on the morning of the attack, which led to him being asked to leave after his youngest child witnessed the argument.

Judge Paul Thomas KC condemned Davies’ actions, describing the assault as “cowardly and vicious” and motivated by jealousy and revenge. “It was a sustained and merciless beating,” the judge stated. “You acted out of both jealousy and revenge, served cold in this instance.”

In addition to the assault charge, Davies had also faced accusations of strangling a woman on April 5, which he denied. The prosecution offered no evidence on this charge, and Judge Thomas entered a not guilty verdict.

David Davies is now serving a prison sentence, reflecting the severity of his actions on that fateful night.

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

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.

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

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.

Crime

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

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

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.