Crime
Milford Haven pair to in court over animal cruelty allegations
Allegations involve 29 dogs, 25 snakes, a tortoise and a gecko kept in squalid conditions
TWO people from Milford Haven are due to appear before magistrates on Tuesday (Aug 26) accused of multiple offences of animal cruelty and neglect involving dogs, snakes and other exotic animals.
Zoe Louise Graham, aged 33, of Coombs Road, and Lee Peter Lock, aged 37, of the same address, are jointly charged with causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals and failing to ensure their welfare, contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The charges relate to a period between December 1 and December 29, 2024, when it is alleged that a number of French Bulldog type dogs, including one called Titch, were starved of adequate nutrition and denied veterinary treatment for infected bite wounds, lameness, and other serious conditions. One bulldog was said to have been left untreated for a ruptured rectum.
In addition to the dogs, prosecutors allege that the pair failed to provide proper care for a large number of snakes and reptiles kept at the property. Eleven snakes were said to have been left emaciated due to lack of food, while a further fourteen were allegedly suffering from poor body condition, oral lesions, respiratory problems and metabolic bone disease. A Hermann’s tortoise and a leopard gecko were also said to have been kept in unsuitable conditions without proper veterinary care, clean water or lighting.
The court papers state that, in total, 21 adult dogs, eight puppies and a collection of exotic animals were confined in an “unclean environment contaminated with urine and faeces” and exposed to strong ammonia smells. It is alleged that the animals were left without adequate food, clean drinking water and a proper environment.
The case carries maximum penalties including imprisonment and unlimited fines.
Both defendants are due to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court at 10:00am.
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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