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Crime

Ministers vow tougher action on sexual violence sentences

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MINISTERS have pledged to give victims of sexual violence “the justice they deserve” as figures show a growing number of sentences in England and Wales are being sent back to court for being unduly lenient.

According to government data, more than six in ten sentences for rape and serious sexual offences reviewed by the Court of Appeal in the first half of this year were increased after concerns were raised by members of the public or the attorney general’s office.

This marks a sharp rise compared with previous years. In 2024, the proportion of such cases stood at 30% in the second half of the year and 41% in the first half. In 2023, the figure was just 25% and 30%.

Solicitor general Lucy Rigby, who is responsible for overseeing the unduly lenient sentence scheme, said ministers were “using every possible means” to ensure offenders faced the full force of the law.

The scheme allows members of the public to request reviews of sentences handed down in crown courts for serious crimes. Rigby decides which cases should be referred to the Court of Appeal.

Government figures show that in the first six months of this year, 34% of sentences flagged by the public were for rape and sexual assault, while more than half of the referrals made by the attorney general’s office involved such crimes.

High-profile cases this year have included:

  • Adrian Revill, who repeatedly sexually abused a teenager and had his three-year sentence tripled.
  • Gagandeep Gulati, who filmed himself raping a woman in Leicester city centre and sharing the footage, saw his term increased from six years to nine.
  • Ibrar Hussain and brothers Imtiaz and Fayaz Ahmed, who raped a vulnerable teenager in West Yorkshire in the 1990s, also had their sentences extended.

In total, 28 violent and sexual offenders had their sentences increased in the first half of 2025.

Rigby said the government was “finally treating this incredibly serious issue as the national emergency that it is,” adding that courts were also handing down tougher punishments for offences such as controlling and coercive behaviour.

The Labour government has pledged to halve violence against women and girls by 2034.

 

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

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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.

 

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Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

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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.

 

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Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

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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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