Crime
Crymych pensioner guilty of animal cruelty in shocking donkey neglect case
AN 80-YEAR-OLD Crymych woman has been handed a suspended prison sentence after admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to 11 donkeys and a pony in her care over a prolonged period.
Elizabeth Palmer, of The Retreat, Llethr-Uchaf, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Dec 11), where she pleaded guilty to two charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The court heard that between September 2023 and March 2024, Palmer failed to provide the animals with essential farrier and dental care, leaving them in significant distress.
The offences came to light following an investigation by the RSPCA, which revealed severe neglect at Palmer’s property. One donkey had to be euthanised due to the extent of its suffering.
Magistrates described the offences as “so serious” that Palmer was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. In addition to the custodial sentence, she was ordered to pay a £150 victim surcharge, £400 in court costs, and £3,570.62 in prosecution costs to the RSPCA.
Palmer has also been disqualified from owning, keeping, or dealing with any animals, except for dogs and cats, for 10 years. The court further granted the RSPCA authority to seize any animals in her possession, with a five-year restriction on applying to lift the ban.
Palmer’s guilty plea was taken into account when sentencing. She has been ordered to pay her financial penalties in monthly instalments, starting from January 22, 2025.
Crime
Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH
A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.
Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.
The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).
Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.
The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.
Crime
Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts
Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences
A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.
Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.
The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.
Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.
She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.
Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.
The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.
As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.
The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.
In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.
Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.
Crime
Bomb hoax allegation lands Carmarthenshire man before court
A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has appeared before magistrates accused of making a bomb hoax and assaulting police officers.
Anthony Mold, 38, of Sandy Road, Llanelli, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).
Mold is charged with communicating false information by alleging that a bomb or other explosive substance was present at Dafen Police Station.
The allegation relates to an incident on May 6 this year.
The defendant also faces charges of assaulting two police officers, damaging a police vehicle, and breaching a Community Protection Notice.
Court records show the damage charge relates to a Dyfed-Powys Police vehicle.
Mold entered guilty pleas to the offences before the court.
District Judge M Layton remanded him in custody for the preparation of reports ahead of sentencing.
The case was adjourned until Thursday, July 2, when Mold is due to be sentenced at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.
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