Crime

Woman caught with knife in Pembroke Dock blames drugs

Published

1 year ago

February 11, 2025

A COURT has heard how a woman found carrying a kitchen knife through the centre of Pembroke Dock told police officers: “I can’t remember why I did it, because I was on drugs.”

999 calls were made by members of the public, stating that a person had been seen walking down Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, on January 24, carrying a large knife.

An on-duty police officer saw Lacey Sharp walking towards his police vehicle, carrying a large kitchen knife in her right hand.

“Fearing for his safety, he drew his taser and red-dotted the defendant,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“He told her to drop the knife and she complied.”

Nia James said that when Sharp was questioned by officers about why she was carrying the knife, she replied: “I can’t remember…I was on drugs.”

The offence was committed while Sharp was serving a 12-month Community Order for assaulting an emergency worker in December 2024.

Sharp, 25, of Bethel Court, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to possessing a knife in a public place.

Her solicitor, Tom Lloyd, informed magistrates that between 2020 and 2025, the defendant had been “completely offence free.”

“Things were going exceptionally well for her and she was living and working in Cardiff where she was the manager of a bar, taking on significant responsibilities,” he said.

“But due to her mental health, things fell apart.

“She moved back to Pembrokeshire and despite the support she’s receiving from her family, it’s been a real struggle for her. She can clearly remain offence-free under the right circumstances, but at the moment, those circumstances don’t seem to be quite right.”

Meanwhile, probation officer Julie Norman said that prior to being found in possession of the knife, Sharp had taken a quantity of unprescribed valium. Ms Norman added that her engagement with the probation service since being placed on the Community Order had been positive.

After considering the facts, magistrates sentenced Sharp to six months in custody, suspended for 12 months. She must carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, a 120-day alcohol abstinence order and must pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 costs. A forfeiture and destruction order was imposed on the knife.

“We believe that there are realistic possibilities of rehabilitation, but you’ve now got to be very, very careful over the next 12 months,” said presiding magistrate Mary Smith.

“We want to see you back on track, living the life that you were living before.”

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

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

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

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

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

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.