Crime
Drink-driver loses licence weeks before Taiwan teaching post
SECOND OFFENCE IN COURT
A MOTORIST has lost his licence weeks before starting a teaching post in Taiwan after driving his car into a hedge while over the drink-drive limit.
Police were called to Solva on July 29 after reports that a Ford Fiesta had collided with a hedge on the A487. When officers arrived, they found 25-year-old Evan James and his passenger standing at the roadside.
“There was substantial damage to the car, and both parties smelt strongly of intoxicants,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.
When spoken to by officers, James admitted driving the car, saying: “I’m drunk, and it’s all my fault.”
A breathalyser test showed 96 microgrammes of alcohol in his system – nearly three times the legal limit of 35.
Ms Vaughan told the court James had a previous conviction for drink-driving in 2017.
Probation officer Julie Norman said James and his friend had been camping 11 miles from St Davids. “They’d had a few drinks with the intention of getting a taxi back to the campsite, but that didn’t materialise,” she explained. “As they approached Solva, they collided with a hedge.”
James, of Post Office Row, Glangrwyney, Crickhowell, pleaded guilty to drink-driving.
His solicitor, Alaw Harries, said the mandatory disqualification would have major implications for the defendant, who had been offered a work placement to teach English in Taiwan.
“He has high ambitions, but that night he made a mistake,” she said. “His placement begins in September, and it would have helped him to get away from the negative issues in his life. He’s extremely disappointed in himself, and is well aware of the potential harm he may have caused to others.”
Magistrates disqualified James from driving for 36 months and imposed a 12-month community order requiring 140 hours of unpaid work.
“This is the second time this has happened,” presiding magistrate Mary Smith told him. “There was a collision, and there could well have been a fatality as a result of your thinking that night. Quite honestly, you’re not fit to be on the roads until you grow up and get a better attitude.”
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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