Crime
Crundale woman sentenced to community order for racial hatred posts
A 60-YEAR-OLD woman from Crundale near Haverfordwest has been sentenced for inciting racial hatred on X by calling for the mass deportation of Muslims from the UK.
Lucy Collins posted inflammatory messages on her X account, formerly known as Twitter, on June 3, 2024, after consuming alcohol.
“We must stand up to the Government and have a mass deportation,” she wrote. “We must knock down every mosque, we must burn every Koran, and we must ban Muslims from entering the UK.”
At Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Crown Prosecutor Nia James described Collins’ actions as a hate crime, despite there being no specific victim.
“She posted comments on X which amounted to disturbing written material that could stir up racial hatred,” said Ms James.
However, Collins’ solicitor, Michael Kelleher, said her posts were prompted by fear of a possible terrorist attack.
“She had seen a post which frightened her, relating to Isis terrorists,” he said. “She read about beheadings and became scared.
“She got it into her head that terrorists might knock on her door, and she became very scared. In the cold light of day, you can say that’s not going to happen in Haverfordwest, but it can happen anywhere.”
Mr Kelleher added that Collins, of Greenwell Close, Crundale, had been drinking alcohol earlier that day.
“As a result, she lost some of her inhibitions,” he said. “She was reckless, but it never crossed her mind that racial hatred would be stirred up.”
Collins pleaded guilty to publishing written material to stir up racial hatred. She was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order, requiring her to complete 15 rehabilitation activity days to address her alcohol use. She was also fined £120 and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.
“I very much doubt we’ll see you in court again, as this has been a salutary experience for you,” said presiding magistrate Mary Smith.
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.
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