Crime

Vape shops closed by courts for three months after council crackdown

Published

1 year ago

May 7, 2025

Milford Haven and Haverfordwest stores closed for three months under emergency council powers

TWO vape shops in Pembrokeshire have been forced to close for three months after enforcement officers seized illegal tobacco products and cash during a council-led operation.

KR Vapes in Milford Haven and Vape Zone in Haverfordwest—both operated by the same owner—were the subject of closure orders granted at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 1).

The orders were made under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Although the legislation is often associated with nuisance behaviour, in this case it was used by Pembrokeshire County Council to prevent further illegal sales of tobacco and related goods.

A council-led investigation led to the seizure of a large quantity of cigarettes at KR Vapes on Charles Street, Milford Haven. A local witness told The Herald they saw officers leaving the premises with “large clear evidence bags full of cigarette packets.”

It is understood the products seized were either counterfeit or unlawfully imported foreign brands, not legally available for sale in the UK.

The owner of both shops, who spoke to The Herald on condition of anonymity, claimed that approximately £3,000 in cash was also seized during the raid on the Milford Haven store.

No criminal charges have been brought at this stage. The court heard only that notices had been served on both shops on April 16, and that the council was taking action to stop further unlawful trading while investigations continue.

The owner had previously told this newspaper that he hoped to re-open in 30 days, but those hopes have now been dashed.

The closure orders apply to the entirety of both premises.

Entry is prohibited to all persons at all times unless specifically authorised in writing by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

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

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

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.