Crime
Dock man jailed after threatening to stab children at activity centre
Released less than a week earlier, Michael Carruthers returned to custody following alarming incident at Llanion Cove
LESS than a week after his release from prison, a Pembroke Dock man is back behind bars after threatening to stab children during an outdoor activity session at Llanion Cove.
Michael Carruthers, 33, was seen standing inside a toilet cubicle with his trousers around his ankles, shouting threats towards children who were taking part in a supervised session at the popular outdoor facility.
“This is a man who was released from prison last week and was given a tent to stay in, as there was no appropriate accommodation available,” said his solicitor, Tom Lloyd, during Carruthers’ appearance at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
“This is the sort of ‘support’ he’s receiving—despite being extremely vulnerable, having a traumatic background, substance misuse issues, and multiple health problems.”
The court heard that at around 2:00pm on Monday (June 30), police received a 999 call from concerned members of the public reporting Carruthers’ behaviour at the activity centre in Pembroke Dock.
“A member of the public believed he was going to be assaulted by the defendant, who was threatening to stab children while standing in a toilet with the door open and his trousers around his ankles,” said Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker. “He was aggressive and frightening.”
As the prosecution outlined the events, Carruthers interrupted from the dock, shouting: “I’m not listening to stuff like this. This is absolute s***.”
His solicitor said Carruthers was at “an extremely low point” in his life.
“He was released from prison with enormous problems, and all he was given was a tent. What chance did he have?” said Mr Lloyd.
“It’s not surprising that he returned to alcohol, and in that context this offence occurred. He’s now in one of the worst places mentally he’s ever been, and he actively wants to return to prison.
“But next time he is released, he must receive the proper support he so clearly needs.”
Carruthers was sentenced to 17 weeks in custody. He was also ordered to pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.
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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