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Crime

Milford woman accused of neglecting cancer-stricken cat

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A VETERINARY expert is set to testify in the trial of a Pembrokeshire woman accused of causing unnecessary suffering to her pet cat, in a case that has garnered the attention of animal welfare groups across the country.

Maria Jane Hicks, 61, of Willow End, Milford Haven, stands accused of failing to seek veterinary treatment for her black and white cat, Max, who was reportedly suffering from a cancerous tumour on his nose. The alleged offence is said to have occurred between 6 May and 17 May of this year.

The case, brought forward by the RSPCA, has seen Hicks vehemently deny the charge. She opted for a trial at crown court, underlining her intention to contest the prosecution’s allegations. At her first court appearance on Monday, 3 June at Swansea Crown Court, Hicks maintained her innocence and was subsequently granted unconditional bail until the trial.

In a hearing held today, Thursday, 26 September, Judge Paul Thomas was informed of the defence’s intention to enlist a veterinary expert to produce a detailed report. Initial efforts to secure the services of a holistic veterinary surgeon, of which there are only 50 practising in the UK, were unsuccessful. However, the defence has since managed to find a mainstream veterinary professional who is now tasked with compiling the necessary report. This process is anticipated to take between four and six weeks.

Judge Thomas has scheduled a pre-trial hearing for late November to review the case’s progress, with the trial itself set to commence in January next year.

The RSPCA has yet to comment on the upcoming trial, but the case is already sparking discussions around pet care responsibilities and the legal obligations of pet owners in providing appropriate medical treatment. Should Hicks be found guilty, the outcome could have significant implications for animal welfare laws in the UK.

As the trial date looms, the eyes of both local residents and national animal welfare advocates remain fixed on this unfolding legal drama in Pembrokeshire.

Crime

Court hears man exposed his flaccid manhood ‘by accident’

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A 21-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire man has appeared before magistrates charged with intentionally exposing his genitals in a public place.

Thomas Jones is accused of carrying out the act at a property in New Moat, Clarbeston Road, on November 9, 2022.

“The defendant knocked on the door of a female and offered his gardening services,” Crown prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“She accepted his offer and moved her car so that he could move his van, but when she turned around, she could see his flaccid penis was outside his trousers. When she pointed this out to him, he said he didn’t know that it was exposed.”

Jones denies the charge. He was released on unconditional bail to await his trial at Haverfordwest magistrates court on January 6.

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Crime

Regular cocaine user from Milford Haven taken off the road

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A MILFORD HAVEN resident who admits to being a regular cocaine user has lost his driving licence after being found behind the wheel when he was 15 times over the legal Benzoylecgonine limit.

Teifion Morse, 41, was stopped by officers just before midnight on May 1 following reports that he was driving his Vauxhall Insignia along the A477 at excessive speeds.

“The vehicle was travelling westwards towards Kilgetty, and Teifion Morse was the driver and the sole occupant, “ Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

A roadside drugs wipe proved positive while further blood tests carried out at the police custody suite showed that Morse had 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system (the legal limit is 50), and 20 mcg of cocaine. The legal limit is 10.

Ms James said that when Morse was spoken to by officers, he told them that he knew the readings would be positive. “I’ve done stupid amounts today,” he said.

Morse, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two charges of drug driving. A probation report stated that since leaving the military five and a half years ago, Morse has suffered from mental health issues.

He’s been using cocaine as a coping mechanism,” said the probation officer. “He freely admits that he uses cocaine to help him cope, but it’s spiralled and is getting more and more out of control. He would like support to kick this habit.”

Morse chose to be legally unrepresented when he appeared before magistrates.

“It was my stupid fault and I’m trying to take the correct steps to get on the right path,” he said in mitigation.

Morse was sentenced to an 18-month community order during which he must carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 15 months and must pay a £140 court surcharge and £85 costs.

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Crime

Motorist manned from driving after being caught over limit

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A PEMBROKE DOCK motorist has been ordered off the roads after driving through Pembroke town centre when he was over the drink-drive limit.

Just before 1am on October 31, police officers stopped a Vauxhall Zafira that was being driven along South Road by Cameron Sell, 23, who was exceeding the speed limit.

“He was acting erratically when he was speaking to the officer,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverofrdwest magistrates this week.

A roadside breath test proved positive and subsequent breath tests carried out at the police station showed Sell had 42 mcg of alcohol in his system. The legal limit is 35.

After considering the facts, magistrates fined Sell £300 and ordered him to pay a £120 court surcharge and £85 costs. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

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