Crime

Trial for Pembrokeshire farm animal cruelty delayed until next year

Published

2 years ago

July 24, 2024

A MAN and his daughter, accused of causing unnecessary suffering to dogs, pigs, and sheep at a Pembrokeshire farm, have had their trial postponed to March next year.

Richard Scarfe, 43, of Park Street in Pembroke Dock, and Brogan Scarfe, 24, of Woodbine Terrace in Pembroke, denied the allegations which relate to the treatment of animals kept at the Ridgeway in Lamphey between January 25, 2022, and April 19, 2023.

During a previous hearing, defence barrister Alycia Carpanini asserted that Brogan Scarfe “denies that the animals were suffering.” She highlighted that a vet had visited the farm the day before the animals were seized and reported “no issues.”

Richard Scarfe previously informed the court that he was not responsible for the care of the animals, as he had been banned from keeping animals.

The trial was initially scheduled for February but was vacated due to delays in instructing a defence expert and complications with the legal aid funding application. A new date was set for July 29.

However, the case returned to Swansea Crown Court, where Andrew Taylor, representing Richard Scarfe, explained that the initially appointed expert “no longer accepts legal aid work.”

“There’s no way I can go into a trial without an expert or an expert report,” Mr Taylor stated. He added that a new expert had been identified but would require four months to complete his report.

Prosecutor Christian Jowett argued that the delay was due to the actions of the defendants’ representation. “This could have been done in August of last year,” he said, adding that the animals are currently in care at the public’s expense. “That will mean that these animals will have been kept for two years, and that is almost entirely the fault of the defendants’ representation.”

Judge Catherine Richards, addressing the further delay, expressed her dissatisfaction with the situation. “It’s not a position I’m impressed with,” she remarked.

Judge Richards ordered that the defence expert report be submitted by November 22, and the trial is now set to commence on March 3.

Crime

OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters

Published

16 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

16 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.

Crime

Man sent to Crown Court over heroin supply and £5,500 cash

Published

16 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A MAN with no fixed address has been remanded in custody accused of possessing heroin with intent to supply and holding thousands of pounds in suspected criminal cash.

Kieren Jones, aged 28, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9).

He is charged with possessing diamorphine, a Class A drug, with intent to supply it to two unknown persons in Carmarthen on Friday (Feb 7), contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Jones also faces a further allegation under the Proceeds of Crime Act that he acquired, used or possessed criminal property, namely £5,500 in cash, on the same date.

No pleas were entered at the hearing.

Because of the seriousness of the offences, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to the Crown Court.

Bail was refused on the grounds that Jones was likely to offend, interfere with witnesses and fail to surrender to custody.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Swansea Crown Court, The Law Courts, St Helens Road, Swansea, for a plea and trial preparation hearing at 9:00am on Friday, March 13.

The custody time limit expires on August 10.