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

Man used vulnerable victim’s bank card at Milford Haven Tesco

Published

5 hours ago

May 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A 41-YEAR-OLD man has been given a suspended prison sentence after using a vulnerable man’s bank card at Tesco Extra in Milford Haven.

Mark Anthony Hambrook, of Keeston, admitted fraud by false representation when he appeared before magistrates.

The court heard that Hambrook dishonestly used the card on April 29, 2025, spending £220.

Magistrates said the offence crossed the custody threshold because it involved a breach of trust, a vulnerable victim, and was committed while Hambrook was on post-sentence supervision.

He was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.

Hambrook was also ordered to pay £220 compensation, together with a £154 surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Cilgerran man denies breaching court ban on keeping animals

Published

6 hours ago

May 16, 2026

Court Reporter

39-year-old accused of keeping a dog despite court-imposed disqualification order dating back to 2019

A CILGERRAN man has denied breaching a court-imposed ban on keeping animals.

Max Huntley, 39, of Castell Corwg, Cilgerran, appeared before Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 14) for a further case management hearing.

He is accused of breaching a disqualification order imposed under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The court register states that Huntley was disqualified following conviction and sentence at Swansea Crown Court on March 14, 2019, for an offence under section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act.

The allegation now before the court is that, on or about August 10, 2025, at Castell Corwg, Cilgerran, he breached that disqualification by having custody of a dog.

Huntley has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The case was adjourned to allow the prosecution to confirm details relating to the defendant and how a solicitor could contact him.

He was remanded on unconditional bail and must attend the next hearing at Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 27, at 10:00am.

The hearing is listed for further case management and is expected to last around 20 minutes.