Crime
Wolverhampton man jailed after trafficking cocaine into Pembroke Dock
Judge says defendant ‘let himself down’ after gambling debts led him into crime
A WOLVERHAMPTON man has been jailed for trafficking cocaine into Pembrokeshire after racking up heavy gambling debts.
Swansea Crown Court heard that police in Pembroke Dock stopped a Ford Transit van at around 2:45pm on June 27. Prosecutor Regan Walters said the vehicle had been flagged by ANPR cameras showing it had travelled from Wolverhampton the previous day.
Behind the wheel was 32-year-old Thomas Gore, the sole occupant. He admitted carrying a small quantity of cannabis, prompting officers to search the van.

Inside a rucksack hanging in the rear, police discovered 124 grams of cocaine of 89 per cent purity. They also seized £538.69 in cash and two iPhones. Gore had a further 3.5 grams of cannabis on him.
During interview, Gore denied owning the bag. He claimed he was paid £200 to transport it to Pembroke Dock to help clear gambling debts, insisting he had not checked what was inside.
Checks showed the van, which Gore had registered in February, had made five previous trips from the West Midlands to Pembrokeshire between February and May. Messages later retrieved from his phones linked him to deals worth £3,000 in March and another in June.
Walters told the court the cocaine haul had a street value of between £12,400 and £15,500.
Gore, of High Street, Wednesfield, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply, possession of cannabis, and possession of criminal property.
The court was told he had seven prior convictions for 10 offences, but only minor drug matters from 2014 and 2015.
Defence barrister David Pinnell said Gore had stayed out of trouble for nearly a decade but was drawn back into crime when gambling debts spiralled. “He fell into a financial position where he owed a considerable amount of money,” Pinnell said.
Sentencing, Judge Huw Rees told Gore: “You have let yourself down.”
He imposed a three-year prison sentence. Walters confirmed that a Proceeds of Crime Act application would follow to recover any benefit Gore received from drug dealing.
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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