Crime

Milford Haven care worker struck off after theft from residents

Published

10 months ago

August 13, 2025

A MILFORD HAVEN care worker has been banned from working in the social care sector in Wales after being found guilty of stealing from vulnerable residents.

Christine Hicks, who worked in an adult care home, was removed from the Social Care Wales register following a Fitness to Practise Panel hearing on June 16.

The hearing, held remotely, continued in Hicks’ absence after she failed to respond to official notices.

The panel heard that Hicks had received a police caution for theft in October 2024 after being accused of taking money from residents at the home.

An investigation began in June 2024 when her manager uncovered unrecorded cash withdrawals and purchases from the accounts of three residents during a routine audit. The transactions were traced back to Hicks.

Although Hicks claimed the incidents were “honest mistakes,” the panel found the allegations proven.

It ruled that her conduct amounted to a serious breach of trust and a fundamental violation of the Code of Professional Practice for Social Care, which requires workers to act honestly, protect individuals from harm, and not exploit access to personal property.

The panel said Hicks had shown no genuine remorse, had not taken steps to address her behaviour, and remained at high risk of repeating the misconduct.

A Removal Order was imposed with immediate effect to protect the public and uphold confidence in the profession. Hicks’ name will be formally removed from the register after 28 days, unless she lodges an appeal.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

16 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

16 hours 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.