Crime
Pembrokeshire pensioner jailed for historic child sex abuse
Offences took place in Nottingham in the 1990s
AN 82-YEAR-OLD man from Pembrokeshire has been jailed for sexually abusing a young girl more than 30 years ago.
John Bleasdale, of Paskeston Lane, Milton, was sentenced to four years in prison at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday (July 24) after being convicted of two counts of indecent assault on a child under 16.
The abuse took place between 1991 and 1998 at a family address in Bulwell, Nottingham, while Bleasdale was trusted to care for the victim.
He was living in Pembrokeshire when the allegations were reported to police two years ago.
Victim’s bravery leads to justice
The victim, now an adult, gave a detailed and compelling account of the assaults, which began when she was too young to understand what was happening.
Detective Constable Dan Blackham, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Public Protection team, praised the survivor’s courage:
“This case is a reminder that it’s never too late to come forward. Bleasdale’s crimes were historic, but we treated them just as seriously as if they’d happened yesterday.”
He added that the conviction would hopefully provide the victim and her family with some closure.
Restrictions imposed
In addition to the jail term, Bleasdale was handed a lifetime restraining order and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, banning him from living at any property with a girl under 16.
Offences cross county lines
Although the abuse occurred in Nottingham, the investigation spanned two counties after Bleasdale relocated to Pembrokeshire in later life.
Police said the case demonstrates how historic offences can still be prosecuted successfully, no matter how much time has passed or where the offender now resides.
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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