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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

Arrest after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run

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A MAN has been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire, on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.

The incident happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police said the vehicle involved, a blue car with noticeable damage, was travelling northbound through the village at the time of the collision.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the vehicle believed to have been involved has now been located, and a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision.

Specially trained officers are supporting Aaron’s family, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.”

The road remains closed while investigations continue, and residents can expect an increased police presence in the area.

Anyone with dashcam footage, doorbell camera recordings, or CCTV footage from the area is urged to check their recordings and contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.

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Crime

Repeat offender jailed for breaching Sexual Harm Prevention Order

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A SERIAL offender who repeatedly defied a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) has been handed a three-year prison sentence following his latest breaches while living in Pembrokeshire.

Adrian John Thomas, 31, of no fixed abode, was originally made subject to a SHPO and notification requirements in 2017 after being convicted of offences involving a 14-year-old girl. Despite the restrictions imposed on him, Thomas has shown a persistent pattern of non-compliance.

The latest sentencing at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Dec 19) addressed four fresh breaches of the SHPO and one count of failing to meet notification requirements.

Following his release from prison in October 2023, Thomas initially registered at an approved address in Swansea. By January, he had moved to Pembrokeshire and declared himself as having no fixed address to the police.

However, it later emerged that he had moved in with his mother, who resides in sheltered housing, without notifying authorities of his change in circumstances—a direct violation of his notification requirements.

While living with his mother, Thomas took control of her iPhone, setting up a PIN and facial recognition lock without her consent. He then used the device to create multiple social media accounts, including Instagram, Gmail, and Facebook profiles, all in clear breach of his SHPO terms.

The court heard how Thomas’s actions left his mother feeling distressed and powerless in her own home.

Prosecutors revealed Thomas’s extensive criminal history, including eight previous convictions spanning 15 offences. Between February 2019 and October 2022 alone, he breached the SHPO 11 times and once failed to comply with notification requirements, resulting in multiple prison sentences.

In mitigation, the defence argued that Thomas had shown remorse and was struggling with his mental health. They claimed he had no viable housing options other than moving in with his mother or living in a tent.

Judge Paul Thomas KC delivered a stark assessment of the defendant’s repeated disregard for court orders.

“Your track record shows a persistent determination to flout the Sexual Harm Prevention Order placed on you after a serious child sexual offence conviction,” the judge said.

“You have breached this order and notification requirements time and time again. You misled the police about your living arrangements, manipulated your mother’s phone despite her pleas, and did so while on licence from a previous sentence.”

The judge concluded: “You seem entirely undeterred by the consequences of your actions.”

Thomas was sentenced to three years in prison, with a review of the SHPO’s duration scheduled for January.

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Crime

Police hunt driver after dog walker killed in Carmarthenshire hit-and-run

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A PEDESTRIAN walking his dog has died after being struck in a hit-and-run collision on a Carmarthenshire road on Monday (December 23).

The incident occurred in Llanpumsaint, near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel, between 6:45pm and 7:45pm.

The road remains closed, and police are urgently appealing for information to locate the driver of a blue vehicle believed to have fled the scene.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are actively searching for the driver of a blue vehicle with noticeable damage, which was involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire. The driver left the scene, and locating them is now our top priority.

“We are appealing directly to the driver to do the right thing and come forward. Additionally, we urge anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.

“This collision, which tragically resulted in the death of a pedestrian, happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm on Monday, December 23, as the man was walking his dog.

“Our investigation indicates the vehicle was travelling northbound through Llanpumsaint at the time of the incident.”

The road is expected to remain closed for some time while enquiries continue. Police stress that any piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in identifying and locating the driver. Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.

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