Crime

Tenby resident ordered to pay nearly £600 for dropping cigarette butt

Published

1 year ago

August 10, 2024

In a recent case heard at Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Magistrates’ Court, a Tenby resident has learned the hard way that dropping a cigarette butt can lead to a hefty financial penalty. Anna Bukowski, 57, of White Lion Street, Tenby, was fined a total of £574.66 after failing to attend court to answer charges of littering.

The incident, which occurred on January 3, at The Green Pay & Display Car Park in Tenby, involved Bukowski throwing down a cigarette butt and leaving it on the ground. This act, seemingly trivial to some, falls under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which strictly prohibits the depositing of litter in public spaces.

Pembrokeshire County Council, which has been cracking down on littering with the help of its third-party operatives, often referred to locally as the “Fag Butt Police,” brought the case against Bukowski. These operatives have been diligent in their efforts to maintain the cleanliness of public areas, leading to a series of prosecutions against those who flout the law.

Despite being summoned, Bukowski did not appear in court, and the case was proven in her absence. The court imposed a fine of £220 for the offence, alongside a victim surcharge of £88 and court costs amounting to £266.66, bringing the total penalty to £574.66.

This case is one of many where individuals have found themselves facing significant financial consequences for littering, as local authorities continue to enforce strict measures to protect the environment. The message from Pembrokeshire County Council is clear: dropping litter, even something as small as a cigarette butt, will not be tolerated and could prove costly for those who disregard the law.

As Bukowski has until September 6 to pay the fine, it serves as a stark reminder to the public of the importance of disposing of litter responsibly. The actions of the so-called “Fag Butt Police” reflect a broader initiative to keep Pembrokeshire’s streets and public spaces clean and litter-free.

This case highlights the importance of community responsibility and the significant impact that even small actions can have on the environment and local community.

Crime

Hakin man’s appeal delayed again as Crown Court seeks guidance on insurance law

Published

24 minutes ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Judge gives CPS more time to review latest road traffic law guidance before case returns in March

A HAKIN man’s appeal against a conviction for driving without insurance has been delayed after a judge granted prosecutors additional time to review updated legal guidance.

Seventy-six-year-old Niall Taylor, of Haven Drive, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Jan 13) for a mention hearing in his case.

Taylor has accepted the finding that he drove otherwise than in accordance with a licence, but is challenging the separate conviction for using a vehicle without insurance.

The case relates to an incident on January 18, 2023, when he drove a Vauxhall Zafira along Hammond Avenue, Haverfordwest.

The matter has already followed an unusual procedural history. Taylor initially pleaded not guilty in the magistrates’ court but later changed his plea during the original trial. Questions were subsequently raised over whether that plea had been “equivocal”, leading the case to be reopened under Section 142 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 and reheard in full.

Following a trial of the facts, magistrates found him guilty and imposed sentence in December. Taylor has since lodged an appeal focused solely on the insurance offence.

During Tuesday’s hearing, His Honour Judge Walters granted the Crown Prosecution Service 28 days to review Wilkinson’s Road Traffic Offences (32nd Edition), the leading legal reference text used by courts in motoring cases.

Addressing the court, the judge said the matter may still require further consideration, adding: “The court still might want to reconsider the sentence even if the insurance company is right. It does look as if different insurance companies do things in different ways.”

He added: “It is not in fact void, but it is voidable.”

Taylor maintains that a valid insurance policy was in force at the time of driving and argues that, in law, third-party cover cannot simply be cancelled because of an administrative licensing issue.

The appeal is due to return to Swansea Crown Court on March 27, when further legal argument is expected.

Crime

Pembroke Dock woman admits breaching community order

Published

3 hours ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Magistrates revoke sentence after missed appointments

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has admitted breaching the terms of a community order.

Shannon Charge, aged 30, of Pater Court, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

She admitted failing to attend a scheduled probation appointment and a drug dependency appointment.

Magistrates revoked the existing community order and ordered her to pay £60 in court costs.

The court heard the order related to earlier offences, for which she had been made subject to rehabilitation and drug treatment requirements. A further review hearing is listed for March 2.