Crime

Man reunited with dog after two-year police kennel ordeal

Published

1 year ago

May 14, 2025

A PEMBROKESHIRE man is to be reunited with his American bulldog nearly two years after it was seized by police following a biting incident at his home.

The dog, named Diesel, was taken into custody in May 2023 after biting a woman who had entered the property in Colley Court, Monkton, Pembroke. However, CCTV footage later revealed the woman had been “jumping around,” which the dog perceived as threatening.

At Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, Diesel’s owner, 44-year-old Anthony Wakeham, pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury.

In a further blow, Wakeham was told he could be liable for more than £12,000 in police kennel fees—totalling £12,196—for Diesel’s detention since the incident. But magistrates rejected the police application for the fees after hearing mitigation from Wakeham’s solicitor, Michael Kelleher.

“Had this case been dealt with promptly, Mr Wakeham could have been told exactly what was required to keep the dog secure,” said Mr Kelleher. “Instead, it’s taken nearly two years to come to court. If you award these extremely high kennel costs, it will penalise him unjustly.”

The court heard the victim, Ashley Large, had been walking home from the local Spar store on May 24, 2023, when she encountered Wakeham outside his home.

“She was invited inside for a small party,” said Crown Prosecutor Ann Griffiths. “She sat on the sofa, but the dog bolted through the patio door and hurled himself at her.”

The attack left Ms Large with serious leg injuries. “The dog could be seen shaking its head side to side, with its teeth still in her leg,” added Ms Griffiths. She was taken to Withybush Hospital, where she was treated for tissue damage, tendon injuries, and restricted movement.

However, the defence argued that Ms Large had not been formally invited and had been warned the dog disliked her. “Despite this, she came inside and began jumping around,” said Mr Kelleher. “It’s unclear if she was dancing or not, but the dog was mistakenly let into the room by someone else and felt threatened by her behaviour. It acted to protect what it perceived as its territory.”

Mr Wakeham, the court was told, had not seen his dog since the incident.

“He’s extremely anxious to be reunited with Diesel,” said Mr Kelleher. “The dog was bought for companionship after the deaths of his mother and brother—it has great sentimental value.”

Magistrates imposed a fine of £120, with £200 compensation payable to Ms Large, court costs of £85, and a £48 victim surcharge. They also imposed a contingent destruction order, meaning Diesel can return home but must be kept securely on a lead and wear a muzzle in public.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

24 hours 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.