A MILFORD HAVEN man is due to appear in court on Monday (Apr 15) charged under a rarely used and centuries-old law after allegedly being found on the premises of Haverfordwest Job Centre “for an unlawful purpose”.

Christian Teeley, aged 21, of Gelliswick Road, Hakin, faces a charge of being found in or upon enclosed premises, contrary to Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824.

The incident took place on September 18, 2024, when Teeley was allegedly discovered inside the Job Centre building in Haverfordwest for the purpose of causing criminal damage.

The charge — a so-called “vagrancy offence” — carries a maximum penalty of three months in prison and/or a Level 3 fine.

The Vagrancy Act, which was introduced in 1824 to deal with soldiers returning from the Napoleonic Wars, has faced widespread criticism in recent years for criminalising homelessness and poverty. Despite being repealed in Scotland and Northern Ireland, it remains in force in England and Wales.

Homelessness charity Crisis says more than 1,000 days have passed since the UK Government first pledged to scrap the law — but it still remains on the books. The charity has warned that people are still being prosecuted for simply being in a public place, with penalties of up to £1,000.

The Herald understands that the case could attract national attention from campaigners who are calling for the Act’s final repeal.

A PEMBROKE DOCK man has avoided an immediate prison sentence after police discovered indecent images of children on his mobile phone.

Andrew Davies, aged 36, was arrested after officers attended his home on Brewery Street on November 16, 2022. The court heard he handed over his phone and PIN without hesitation. An initial check revealed child sexual abuse material, leading to his arrest.

A full forensic analysis uncovered a total of 67 indecent images of children, including nine in Category A – the most serious level – along with 14 Category B and 44 Category C images. Some of the images dated back to 2019.

Sian Cutter, prosecuting at Swansea Crown Court, said a further 32 “borderline” images were also found. The material featured children as young as three being restrained and abused.

Davies admitted three counts of making indecent images of children when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. He had no previous convictions.

Appearing for the defendant, Ryan Bowen said: “Mr Davies is under no illusion about the gravity of these offences, which clearly cross the custody threshold. He has taken full responsibility and has not sought to deflect blame.”

The court was told there had been a significant delay in bringing the case to court, and that Davies had not re-offended since the original arrest.

Sentencing, Judge Catherine Richards said: “Viewing child sexual abuse material causes real harm to real children. It adds to their pain and suffering. A particularly serious feature of this case is the very young age of some of the victims.”

She acknowledged the delay in proceedings and accepted there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. Davies, she said, had already faced significant personal consequences as a result of his actions.

Davies was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. He must complete 200 hours of unpaid work and attend 25 rehabilitation activity days.

He will also be on the sex offenders register for 10 years. A further hearing is set to take place on April 11 to consider the imposition of a sexual harm prevention order.

A HAVERFORDWEST teenager has denied threatening a man with a kitchen knife and carrying the weapon in public—but admitted damaging his mother’s household items.

Kian Kelly, aged 19, of Freemans View, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday charged with three offences following an incident on March 8.

He is accused of threatening a man with a kitchen knife at an address in Haverfordwest and possessing the knife on Hill Street.

Kelly pleaded not guilty to the knife-related charges but admitted a count of criminal damage, which relates to damage caused to property belonging to his mother.

Ieuan Rees, prosecuting, told the court that the pleas were not acceptable and that the Crown would seek a trial.

Representing Kelly, Ian Ibrahim said: “He said he didn’t have the knife with him. He fully accepts the behaviour in the house.”

Judge Geraint Walters set a trial date for September 18. Kelly was granted bail until that date.