Crime

Man who threatened to chop off teenage girl’s ears given community sentence

Published

2 years ago

September 4, 2024

A COURT has heard how a 17-year-old girl was left fearing for her life after a man threatened to chop off her ears and impose further injuries on her with a gun and a baseball bat.

Paul Gurney phoned the victim on the evening of February 11 when she was alone in a property in Whitland.

“The defendant and the victim had been in a relationship for a few months, and that night he called her and had a very slurred voice,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“She could hear him throwing things in the background, and he accused her of being with someone else during their relationship.

“He then said he was going to come to her house and chop her ears off, and would also bring a gun and a baseball bat with him.”

Gurney rang the 17-year-old yet again that same evening, when he accused her of betraying him.

“You betrayed me, so now I’m going to betray you and your family,” he said.

Gurney, 32, of Maes Grug, Stop and Call, Goodwick, also posted a photograph of himself on Facebook which pictured him holding a knife. When officers carried out a search of his property, they discovered a BB gun and pellets.

A victim statement was read out to the magistrates, in which the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she now fears for her safety as a result of the incident.

“I was really scared, believing he was going to come to my address,” she said. “I’m genuinely scared about what he might do, because I know he’s capable of violence.”

Gurney pleaded guilty to sending communications to the woman which threatened death and serious harm.

He was legally represented in court by Mr Tom Lloyd who informed the magistrates that at the time of the offence, Gurney was heavily dependent on drugs.

“Since this incident, he has addressed his drug issues and is very remorseful for what happened,” he said. “He said some extremely foolish and unpalatable things to her, but he meant no harm.”

Mr Lloyd refuted the Prosecution’s allegation that Gurney had had a relationship with the victim.

After considering the mitigation, magistrates sentenced Gurney to a 12-month Community Order during which he must carry out 25 rehabilitation activity requirements and 150 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £120 compensation to his victim, a £114 court surcharge and £85 prosecution cost.

A restraining order was imposed preventing him from having any contact with the victim.

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.