Crime

Boncath resident threatened to set fire to neighbour’s car

Published

2 years ago

August 21, 2024

A NEIGHBOURS’ dispute has resulted in a court appearance after a Boncath resident threatened to set fire to his neighbour’s car.

When police arrived at Dylan Degay’s property at Berllan Aur, Boncath, on June 28, they discovered him standing outside surrounded by household items which he’d placed on the front lawn.

CCTV footage that was shown to Haverfordwst magistrates court this week showed Degas threatening to set fire to property belonging to his neighbour.

“I don’t need to deal with nosy neighbours,” he was heard shouting.

“[The police] will have a reason to turn up when I set fire to all their stuff. I’ll set fire to their car, and I hope that every single one of you heard that.”

But Degay’s solicitor, Michael Kelleher, said the threats were made following a period of antagonism between the defendant and his neighbour.

“He moved to Boncath to get away from previous bad influences, but the property he moved into was next door to a person who was hoping that a relative of hers could have it,” he said.

“That was the catalyst. Rumours began to spread about his previous convictions and on this occasion he lost his cool, he became irate, and said things that he didn’t mean and were inappropriate.”

Mr Kelleher said that following the offence, Degay, who pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening to damage or destroy property, had visited his neighbour to apologise for his outburst.

Magistrates were asked to consider a comprehensive probation report before deciding on Degay’s sentence. However Mr Kellehr said the report wasn’t ‘a fair reflection’ on his client.

Probation officer Julie Norman told magistrates that Degay had declined to take part in programmes and treatment which had been offered to him by the probation service, however Mr Kelleher explained that this was because Degay finds it difficult to integrate in group situations.

“He doesn’t want to be in a position where he fails,” he said. “He’d prefer one-to-one treatment.”

Mr Kelleher submitted a character reference to magistrates in which another neighbour described Degay as bdeing a helpful and trustworthy person.

After considering the facts, magistrates sentenced Degay to six months in custody suspended for two years. He was also ordered to pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.

Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.

Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.

Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.

“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.

The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.

Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.

“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.

When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”

Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”

As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”

A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.