Crime
Two women sent to Crown Court over attempted knife robbery at Milford Haven shop
One remanded in custody, the other on strict bail following third robbery in two months at Pill Corner Store
TWO women accused of attempting to rob a Milford Haven convenience store while armed with a kitchen knife have appeared before magistrates today (Monday, July 14).
Bethan John, aged 25, of Howarth Close, and Jessie Thompson, aged 30, of Plas Peregrine, both from Milford Haven, are jointly charged with attempted robbery and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
The charges relate to an incident on Friday evening (July 11), when two masked women entered Pill Corner Store, threatened staff, and demanded cash before fleeing the scene. No injuries were reported.
Court appearance and bail decisions
Both defendants appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this morning. No pleas were entered.
The court heard that the weapon allegedly used was a kitchen knife, carried in public without lawful authority. The robbery charge relates to an attempt to steal cash from shop worker Mr M Ajan.
The bench sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where a plea and trial preparation hearing will take place on Friday, August 15.
Jessie Thompson was remanded in custody due to concerns she may reoffend or interfere with witnesses. She was also the subject of a recall to prison.
Bethan John was granted conditional bail, with strict conditions including:
- Not to enter Pill Shop, Pill Lane
- Not to contact any prosecution witnesses, including Thompson
- To report to Haverfordwest Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 12:30pm and 2:30pm
Ongoing investigation
This incident is the third robbery-related offence at Pill Corner Store in a two-month period. In May, a man threatened staff with a Stanley knife and escaped with cash. In June, another man was arrested for using force to steal a bottle of vodka.
Police have thanked the local community for their support during the investigation. Anyone with further information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.
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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