Crime
Fag-butt police court summonses spark debate in Pembrokeshire
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
18-year-old arrested for rape in Pembroke
POLICE have arrested an 18-year-old male following a report of an alleged rape that occurred in Pembroke at the weekend.
The incident is reported to have taken place on the evening of Saturday, October 12, with a police cordon and scenes of crimes officers seen conducting their investigations on Sunday.
According to Dyfed-Powys Police, the individual was arrested on suspicion of rape shortly after the alleged crime was reported.
He has since been released on conditional bail while the investigation continues.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “Police are investigating an allegation of rape which occurred on Saturday evening (12th October) in the Pembroke area. A male was arrested on suspicion of rape shortly after. The 18-year-old has been released on conditional bail pending further police enquiries.”
Detectives are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward as the investigation remains ongoing by calling 101.
Crime
Jury due to retire in the case of Nathan John, accused of raping two 16-year-old girls
THE JURY will soon retire deliberate in the trial of 19-year-old Nathan John, a Milford Haven resident accused of raping two 16-year-old girls — one in Milford Haven and the other in Haverfordwest.
The charges stem from two separate incidents, the first occurring in October 2022 and the second in May 2024.
John, of Richard John Road, Milford Haven, faces a total of seven sexual charges, including two charges of rape. He denies all seven offences. He took the stand on Wednesday (Oct 16) to give his account of events under oath. Dressed in a white shirt and black tie, he described the night of the first attack, which allegedly took place on 2nd October 2022.
The defendant testified that he and the first complainant had a friendly relationship, exchanging messages and attending the same college. On the night in question, John said he encountered the complainant at Nos Da Bar on Victoria Road while out with friends. He admitted consuming several alcoholic drinks, including a pint of Coors, four apple sours, two apple cokes, and a Jägerbomb.
According to John, he and the complainant shared a kiss at the bar before parting ways. Later, at Circles Nightclub, John claimed the complainant approached him again, and he offered to walk her home. He told the court that they were “having a laugh” before engaging in what he insists was consensual sexual intercourse. John said that a disagreement arose afterward when the complainant suggested the encounter was non-consensual. He added that he felt guilty because he had been unfaithful to his then-partner and that the complainant initially promised to keep the incident secret before changing her mind, which he found confusing.
The court was shown video footage from police bodycams taken at the time of John’s arrest. In the footage, John is heard crying and saying, “I don’t know what I have done, I just got excited,” while experiencing what was described as a panic attack. He also stated, “You can’t arrest me because there was consent, this has happened before, I haven’t done anything…”
The prosecution, led by James Hartson of Angel Chambers, questioned John about the second alleged incident on 16th May 2024, in Haverfordwest. The court heard that this second complainant was also 16 years old at the time. John admitted to engaging in sexual intercourse with her on a platform halfway up a set of steps off Castle Square but maintained that the interaction was consensual. He described the two as flirting throughout the evening and claimed he called the complainant “beautiful” before they shared a kiss.
However, John said that when the complainant asked to stop midway through the encounter, he complied. He admitted that his remark, calling the complainant “a dirty girl,” may have offended her, but clarified that it was meant as “sex talk.” John told the court that at no point did he use force or violence, nor did the complainant shout for help.
Forensic evidence was presented to the court, including swabs taken from both complainants. The first complainant’s oral swabs revealed the presence of male DNA, indicating oral ejaculation, while no semen was detected on vaginal swabs. John’s DNA was also found on genital swabs. In the case of the second complainant, male DNA was detected on the internal vaginal swab, which the defence argued supported John’s claim of consensual intercourse.
During cross-examination, Hartson suggested that John became aggressive after consuming alcohol on both occasions. He also highlighted inconsistencies in John’s statements, particularly in his initial police interview, where John denied any sexual contact rather than claiming it was consensual. The prosecution accused John of “spinning a web of lies,” arguing that his behaviour was driven by alcohol-fuelled aggression.
The jury was reminded of key evidence, including the first complainant’s detailed memory of her jacket being thrown to the ground during the alleged attack—information which the prosecution argued was “very precise.”
The jury will shortly to consider its verdict, with the outcome of the case expected in the coming days.
(The image used in this article, is not a photograph, but an artists impression of the defendant in the dock – as cameras are not allowed in court)
Crime
Motorist admits careless driving following three-car crash on A40
A MOTORIST has admitted to careless driving following a three-car collision at a junction on the A40, resulting in injuries to several individuals.Helen Reemers, 56, of Newton Cross, appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court where she faced charges of driving without due care and attention. The incident occurred when Reemers was driving her Toyota Aygo southbound on the A40 from Fishguard.
As she approached the junction with the A4219, Reemers slowed down in preparation to turn right. At that moment, a Ford Focus was travelling north towards the same junction. In an unfortunate turn of events, Reemers turned across the road and collided with the Ford Focus, causing it to spin out of control.
The ensuing chaos led to a third vehicle, a Skoda Octavia, which had been following closely behind, also becoming involved in the crash.The court heard that all parties involved sustained slight injuries. Reemers’ Toyota sustained significant front-end damage, while the Ford Focus incurred damage to its front offside.
The Skoda Octavia also suffered damage on its front offside.On 2 October, Reemers pleaded guilty to careless driving.
The court imposed a fine of £128, along with £110 in costs and a £51 surcharge. Additionally, six penalty points were added to her driving licence.
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