Crime

Cigarette butts and litter land more defendants in court

Published

11 months ago

January 10, 2025

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S ongoing campaign against littering brought a wave of cases to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, earning enforcement officers the local nickname “The Fag Butt Police.”

Multiple individuals were fined after being found guilty of depositing cigarette butts or other litter in public spaces. Magistrates highlighted the significant costs of keeping the county clean and the importance of enforcing the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Some of the defendants have contacted The Herald and questioned the fairness of the costs imposed. With costs often set at £266.66 on top of fines and victim surcharges, the total penalties approached or exceeded £500 in many cases. Observers noted that such high costs might be disproportionate for minor offences like littering, especially in bulk prosecutions designed to be more efficient.

One of those fined, said: “The costs seem high for what should be a streamlined process. Transparency on how these costs are calculated would help reassure the public about fairness.”

Cases heard in court

Paul Andrew, 50, of Bramble Lodge, Stepaside, Narberth, was fined £220, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £88, and costs of £266.66 for dropping a rolled-up cigarette in Jones Terrace, Tenby. Total: £574.66.
Wayne Balch, 50, of Adelaide Road, Elvington, Dover, was fined £220, with £88 victim surcharge and £266.66 costs for littering with a cigarette butt at Withybush Retail Park, Haverfordwest. Total: £574.66.
Matthew Collins, 46, of Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, was fined £220, with a victim surcharge of £88 and costs of £266.66 for leaving a cigarette butt outside McDonald’s, Merlin’s Bridge. Total: £574.66.
Omid Buergin, 59, of Coolhurst Road, London, was fined £220, with £88 victim surcharge and £266.66 costs for dropping a rolled-up cigarette in Upper Frog Street, Tenby. Total: £574.66.
Simon Green, 45, of Mans Dewi, Capel Dewi, Carmarthen, was fined £220, with £88 victim surcharge and £266.66 costs for littering in Springfield Retail Park, Haverfordwest. Total: £574.66.
Aisha Jephcott, 24, of West Haven Estate, Cosheston, Pembroke Dock, was fined £220, with £88 victim surcharge and £266.66 costs for dropping a cigarette butt on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock. Total: £574.66.
Edward Washbrook, 52, of Maes Y Mynydd, Newport, was fined £220, with £88 victim surcharge and £266.66 costs for discarding a cigarette butt outside Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest. Total: £574.66.
Jemma Palmer, 41, of Tir Einon, Llanelli, was fined £220, with £88 victim surcharge and £266.66 costs for dropping a rolled-up cigarette on High Street, Tenby. Total: £574.66.
Louisa Braidman, 34, of Fourth Avenue, Walsall, was fined £220, with £88 victim surcharge and £266.66 costs for leaving a cigarette butt outside Denis Café, Tenby. Total: £574.66.
Haray Norcross, 39, of Penybont Road, Pencoed, Bridgend, was fined £220, with £88 victim surcharge and £266.66 costs for littering with a cigarette butt on Moorland Road, Narberth. Total: £574.66.
Maria Mihailiva, 36, of St Davids Place, Goodwick, was fined £220, with £88 victim surcharge and £266.66 costs for dropping a cigarette butt outside Morrisons, Haverfordwest. Total: £574.66.
Michael Raymond, 55, of St James Road, Wick, was fined £40, with £16 victim surcharge and £100 costs for littering in Heywood Lane, Tenby. Total: £156.00.
Joshua Spicer, 38, of Castle Terrace, Narberth, was fined £220, with £88 victim surcharge and £266.66 costs for discarding a cigarette butt near Narberth Primary School. Total: £574.66.
Andrew Griffiths, 41, of St Margarets Court, Aberdare, was fined £40, with £16 victim surcharge and £130 costs for littering in St George Street, Tenby. Total: £186.00.
Stacey Davies, 35, of Felin Ban Estate, Cardigan, was fined £40, with £16 victim surcharge and £100 costs for leaving a cigarette butt outside Haverfordwest Hospital. Total: £156.00.
Sam Daines, 32, of Larch Road, Milford Haven, was fined £40, with £16 victim surcharge and £100 costs for littering on Priory Street, Milford Haven. Total: £156.00.

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

Crime

Rugby player’s life changed forever by knife attack — attacker jailed for 22½ years

Published

6 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Seren Baker

A YOUNG rugby player was left fighting for his life after being stabbed repeatedly outside a Gorseinon social club — and on Friday (Dec 19) the man responsible was jailed at Swansea Crown Court.

Morgan Hopkins, aged 18 at the time of the attack, was seriously injured in the early hours of Sunday (June 22) outside The New Lodge Social Club on Alexandra Road.

Mr Hopkins, known to friends as “Hobby”, is a local rugby player with Morriston RFC. He had been waiting for a lift home with his girlfriend when trouble broke out nearby.

The court heard that Mr Hopkins attempted to defuse a confrontation between another group of males and Kane Evans. As tensions rose, Evans approached Mr Hopkins armed with a knife.

In a final attempt to calm the situation, Mr Hopkins reportedly said: “No one needed to get hurt.”

***Morgan Hopkins,18, pictured here with his parents was left with life-changing injuries following the attack***

Moments later, Evans launched a ferocious and unprovoked attack.

Mr Hopkins was stabbed no fewer than ten times to the chest and abdomen. Surgeons later told police that one of the wounds was less than half an inch from being fatal.

He underwent extensive emergency surgery and was left with lasting physical and psychological injuries.

In a victim personal statement read to the court, Mr Hopkins described the terror of the attack and the devastating impact it has had on his life.

He said his dream of playing professional rugby had been put on hold, adding that the loss of weekly matches had left him feeling lost and isolated. He told the court he no longer felt safe in his own home and struggled to go out, describing ongoing anxiety and depression.

Mr Hopkins also detailed the financial consequences of the attack, saying he had lost around £4,800 in wages and a further £800 from a cancelled holiday.

Police confirmed that Kane Evans, now aged 21, had gone out that night armed with a kitchen knife and may also have been carrying a second Stanley-type blade.

Officers said Evans was aggressive at the time of his arrest and was later charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.

At Swansea Crown Court today, Evans was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison, with an extended licence period of five years to follow.

Passing sentence, the judge described the attack as random and extremely violent, warning that Evans posed a serious ongoing risk to the public.

Family members and supporters of Mr Hopkins were present in court as the sentence was handed down.

Since the attack, friends, teammates and members of the local community have rallied around Mr Hopkins, offering support as he continues his recovery from injuries that have permanently altered his life.

Crime

Police appeal after stolen Ford Fiesta crashes into lamppost

Published

6 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Officers ask residents to check CCTV and dashcam footage

POLICE are appealing for information following the theft of a vehicle in Ystradowen on Thursday evening (Dec 18).

A silver Ford Fiesta, registration CV05 CVJ, was reported stolen from a property on Brynawel Terrace, Penygraig Road, at around 5.30pm.

The vehicle was later discovered on New Road, Cwmllynfell, where it had been involved in a collision with a lamppost.

Dyfed-Powys Police are asking anyone who may have seen the vehicle, or who lives or travelled along the route between Brynawel Terrace and New Road, Cwmllynfell, to check their CCTV or dashcam footage in case the incident was captured.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by calling 101, or by sending a direct message via social media.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Quote reference: 25*1032732.