Crime

Cardigan man fined for threatening behaviour in Aberporth

Published

8 months ago

July 30, 2025

A CARDIGAN man has been fined after admitting using threatening and abusive behaviour towards a woman in Aberporth.

Adam Smith, 35, of Hillfield Road, Parcllyn, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jul 28), where he pleaded guilty to an offence under Section 4A of the Public Order Act 1986.

The court heard that on 2 September 2023, Smith, with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress to Nichola King, used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. The charge also covered disorderly conduct that caused Ms King or another person harassment, alarm or distress.

Prosecutor Ann Griffiths told the court that the offence fell into the category of more serious public order matters because it was intentional and personally directed at the victim. A victim personal statement from Ms King was read aloud, describing the impact the incident had on her.

Section 4A of the Public Order Act makes it an offence to use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause a person harassment, alarm or distress. It differs from lower-level public order offences in that intent must be proven, making it a more serious matter before the court.

Magistrates, chaired by Mr J Ross, sitting with Dr R Williams and Mr R John, said they had taken into account Smith’s guilty plea when deciding sentence.

Smith was fined £120, ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs, and a £48 victim surcharge. A collection order was made for the fine to be deducted from his benefits. The court also ordered that the total must be paid in full within 28 days.

Crime

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

Published

5 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation

A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.

The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.

Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.

During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.