Crime

Fag-butt police court summonses spark debate in Pembrokeshire

Published

2 years ago

July 24, 2024

A WAVE of prosecutions for cigarette littering has hit Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, raising questions about enforcement priorities and the use of judicial resources in Pembrokeshire.

On Thursday, July 25, it could get rather crowded in court, as 18 individuals are set to appear before the bench, all charged with depositing litter. The alleged offences, which occurred between 6 and 18 December 2023, involve an accusation of dropping of cigarette butts or rolled cigarettes in various locations across Haverfordwest, Pembroke, and Pembroke Dock.

The defendants, ranging in age from 24 to 70, face charges for discarding cigarette-related litter in public spaces, including supermarket car parks, streets, and even school grounds.

This concentrated effort to prosecute cigarette littering has sparked debate among local residents and legal experts. Critics argue that targeting smokers for what some consider a minor offence may be seen as pursuing “low-hanging fruit” rather than addressing more serious environmental concerns in Pembrokeshire.

Questions remain about the consistency of enforcement and whether other forms of littering are being pursued with equal vigour.

People are taken to court if they ignore paying or wish to challenge a Fixed Penalty Notice.

The FPNs can been issued for any littering, dog fouling and breach of byelaws relating to dogs on beaches.

Pembrokeshire County Council says the aim is to drive behaviour change in the small percentage of people who cause a big impact on the local environment.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said last year: “In an ideal world there would be no need for this type of enforcement.

“However, the number of Fixed Penalty Notices issued already shows that there are still people who will drop litter or fail to pick up after their dog and commit other environmental crimes that continue to blight the environment for everybody else.

“By issuing these Fixed Penalty Notices we are sending the message that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated.”

As the cases proceed, the outcomes will likely fuel further discussion on the appropriate balance between enforcement and education in tackling environmental offences. The debate continues on whether this approach represents a judicious use of court time or if alternative measures might better serve both the environment and the community.

Crime

OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters

Published

21 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

21 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

21 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.