In a recent session at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, 27 individuals were fined for littering offences committed across Pembrokeshire.

The offenders, who were all found guilty in their absence, were charged with dropping cigarette ends in various public places.

The cases, brought forward by Pembrokeshire County Council, highlight a range of offences where individuals carelessly discarded cigarette butts in public areas, including train stations, hospitals, and retail parks. Despite not attending court, the cases were proven in their absence, leading to fines and additional costs.

Each defendant was fined £220, ordered to pay a surcharge of £88 to fund victim services, and incurred prosecution costs of £150. This brings the total amount each defendant must pay to £458. In one case, a defendant who pleaded guilty was fined a reduced amount of £40 with an additional £16 surcharge and £20 in costs, resulting in a total of £76.

Here are the details of those fined:

1. Gareth Bailey, 42, of Elm Lane, Milford Haven
2. Daniel Cook, 29, of The Avenue, Pontygwaith, Ferndale
3. Peter Cullen, 33, of Maes Y Llan, Llandeloy, Haverfordwest
4. Nathan Edmundson, 32, of Rectory Avenue, Hakin, Milford Haven
5. Paul Evans, 38, of Fernhill Road, Haverfordwest
6. Alana Francis, 22, of Augustine Way, Haverfordwest
7. Jonathan Gammon, 51, of Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock
8. Jack Hall, 26, of Ramsey Court, Siskin Close, Haverfordwest
9. Phil Horsely, 55, of Dew Street, Haverfordwest
10. Richard Hughes, 62, of Brodawel, Solva
11. Luke Hutton, 34, of Prestacott, Beaworthy, Devon
12. Gavin James, 44, of Vicary Crescent, Milford Haven
13. Michael James, 36, of Heol Glyndwr, Fishguard
14. Maria Koleva, 38, of Nantyffin, Llandissilio, Clynderwen
15. Jacob Lloyd, 28, of Maes Ewan, Solva
16. Fiona Mackenzie, 56, of Bell Tower Close, Walsall, Birmingham
17. Darren Richard Markes, 46, of Dark Street, Haverfordwest
18. Tanya Roberts, 48, of College Court, Haverfordwest
19. Brad Saunders, 31, of Rolle Street, Barnstaple, Devon
20. John Simon, 35, of Curlew Close, Haverfordwest
21. Garry Sims, 63, of Market Street, Haverfordwest
22. Bavaen Stan, 28, of Maesmelyn Street, Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire
23. Ivan Stefanov, 40, of Nantyffin Motel, Llandissilio, Clynderwen
24. Simon Fleet, 50, of Hill Street, Haverfordwest
25. Jamie Harding, 36, of Wentworth Close, Hubberston, Milford Haven
26. John Hooper, 59, of Springfield Close, Neyland, Milford Haven
27. Carl Hopkins, 61, of Fredrick Street, Neyland, Pembrokeshire

In total, the 27 defendants are expected to pay £12,366 in fines and costs. The fines and charges are part of ongoing efforts by Pembrokeshire County Council to maintain cleanliness in public areas and discourage littering. Collection orders have been made for all the fines, ensuring that the penalties are enforced.

A MILFORD HAVEN resident, Gavin James, aged 44, has been found guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for failing to comply with a community protection notice issued by Pembrokeshire County Council.

James, who resides at 18 Vicary Crescent, Milford Haven, had been served with the notice on 25th April 2024, requiring him to remove accumulated refuse and household waste from his property. However, he failed to adhere to the terms of the notice, leading to legal action.

The court, sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, found the case against James proved in his absence on 25th July 2024. As a result, he has been issued a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) aimed at preventing further disturbances. The CBO mandates that Mr. James must not cause or allow any activity likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress to the local community due to the waste accumulation at his property.

Additionally, James has been fined £300 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £120. He is also liable for legal costs amounting to £2,759.95, bringing the total financial penalty to £3,179.95.

This case follows a previous incident involving James, where he faced similar accusations related to the neglect of his property. Despite repeated warnings and legal interventions, it appears that the issues have persisted, causing significant concern among his neighbours.

Local authorities have stressed the importance of complying with community protection notices to maintain the safety and well-being of residents.

The order against James will remain in effect until further notice, with designated officers overseeing compliance.

A PEMBROKE DOCK man with an extensive criminal record has been sentenced to four years in prison after being caught dealing drugs to support his own addiction. Christopher Brockway, 44, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Aug 22) where he was handed his sentence following a last-minute change of plea from not guilty to guilty.

The court heard that Brockway was apprehended by police in Haverfordwest on Sunday, February 11, after stealing items worth £500. At approximately 1:30pm, officers stopped a white Vauxhall being driven by Brockway. It was discovered that Brockway was uninsured and had been driving without a valid licence, which had been revoked since 2022. During a search of the vehicle, officers found a blue plastic bag containing 7.84 grams of a white powder, which Brockway claimed was bicarbonate of soda. He was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.

Later that evening, at 5:40pm, police attended Brockway’s home in Pembroke Dock, where they encountered what was described as one of the worst living conditions an officer had seen in 26 years of service. The property was littered with syringes, burnt tin foil, and food debris. A further search uncovered 18.5 grams of heroin, 17 grams of cannabis, silver weighing scales, and £2,260 in cash.

In court, Brockway admitted to purchasing the heroin the day before his arrest, insisting it was for personal use. He claimed the £2,260 found in his home was savings for his daughter’s birthday, and that the scales were used to ensure he wasn’t being overcharged when buying drugs. It was also revealed that Brockway had 71 previous convictions, many related to his 20-year struggle with drug addiction.

Initially, Brockway had pleaded not guilty to charges of possessing diamorphine with intent to supply and possessing criminal property. However, on the day his trial was set to begin, he changed his plea to guilty for the charge of possession with intent to supply. The prosecution accepted this plea, and the charge of possessing criminal property was dropped.

His Honour Judge Geraint Walters, in passing sentence, acknowledged Brockway’s long-standing battle with addiction but stressed the seriousness of his offences. Brockway was sentenced to four years in prison. The court heard that Brockway hopes to use his time in custody to overcome his addiction and turn his life around.

Brockway’s case highlights the ongoing issues of drug addiction and related criminal activity in the region, with the judge expressing hope that this sentence would serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar offences.