Crime
Predator faces jail after admitting to historical child abuse
A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been warned that he faces a prison sentence after admitting to a series of child sex offences spanning over two decades.
Mark Ford, 65, of Ambleston, appeared at Swansea Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges of indecent assault and sexual misconduct involving three young victims. The offences occurred over a 24-year period, from the late 1990s to as recently as last year.
Ford was charged with a total of 10 historical child sex offences. These included three counts of indecent assault against a teenage girl between 1999 and 2001. He also faced charges of indecency with a child and two counts of indecent assault against a second girl, who was under 14 years old, between 2000 and 2003.
More recently, Ford was accused of sexually assaulting a third child, as well as causing that child to watch a sexual act on two separate occasions, with these offences taking place between 2022 and 2023.
In court, Ford admitted to one count of indecent assault against the first child, indecency with a child and indecent assault against the second victim, and both offences of causing a child to watch a sexual act, as well as one count of sexual assault against the third child. He denied the remaining charges.
Prosecutor James Hartson told the court that these admissions were deemed acceptable, and no trial would be pursued for the charges Ford had denied. “Justice can be done by accepting those pleas,” Mr Hartson said, confirming that the charges reflected Ford’s offending against all three victims.
Judge Huw Rees adjourned sentencing to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. In the meantime, Ford has been readmitted to bail but will return to court on October 18 for sentencing. He has also been placed on the sex offenders’ register.
Addressing the defendant in court, Judge Rees issued a stark warning: “Quite clearly, these sentences pass the custody threshold. You should prepare yourself for a period of imprisonment.”
Ford’s sentencing will determine the extent of the punishment for crimes that have caused significant harm to his victims over many years.
Crime
70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach
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
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
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.
-
Local Government6 days agoFishguard children’s home application is a ‘legal test’, not planning merits decision
-
Community4 days agoDogs removed after welfare concerns at Milford Haven property
-
Crime6 days agoDrink-driver hit bicycle and failed to stop
-
Crime5 days agoPembrokeshire hairdresser avoids prison after pub assault
-
News7 days agoSPECIAL FEATURE: Did Chernobyl affect children in Wales?
-
Crime5 days agoPembrokeshire man charged with making hundreds of indecent images of children
-
Business5 days agoHandcrafted garden furniture built to last across Pembrokeshire
-
Sport7 days agoNeyland make early statement as cricket season begins







