Crime
Pembrokeshire anti-racism petition to be heard by committee
A PETITION calling on Pembrokeshire County Council to reaffirm its commitment “to fostering an inclusive and anti-racist Wales” after a Reform member was co-opted on to a local town council is to be heard later this week.
An e-petition, on the council’s own website, by Marjorie Hawkins of Campaign group West Wales Stand Up to Racism, said: “We, the undersigned, believe that our local councils must uphold the highest standards of ethical governance, transparency, and commitment to inclusivity. Decisions made at the council level should reflect the values of fairness, equality, and a dedication to anti-racism.
“Given the recent co-option of a member of Reform UK to Haverfordwest Town Council—a party openly opposed to the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan (AWAP)—we call upon our county council to reaffirm its commitment to fostering an inclusive and anti-racist Wales by 2030. A clear public statement from our county council would help reassure communities that representation in local government aligns with Wales’ national commitment to equality.
“West Wales Stand Up to Racism feels very strongly that our county council needs to reaffirm its commitment to anti-racism, given that a member of Reform UK has been co-opted to a local council within the county.
“Reform UK is openly opposed to the AWAP and we want to see all representatives on Pembrokeshire County Council showing commitment to the AWAP. We think it is necessary that Pembrokeshire County Council reaffirms this commitment publicly.”
The petition, which ran from June 27 to August 26, attracted 300 signatures.
Anyone who lives, works or studies within the Pembrokeshire County Council area may sign or organise a council e-petition. This includes anyone under the age of 18.
If the petition gets 500 signatures, the creator will have an opportunity to debate it at a future full council meeting.
Any petition of between 100 and 499 signatures triggers a debate at one of the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committees.
The petition followed the recent co-opting of Reform UK’s Scott Thorley on to Haverfordwest Town Council.
Cllr Thorley had previously stood as a Reform candidate in a local county council election for a seat vacant after the resignation of Cllr Andrew Edwards, but was unsuccessful in that attempt, being co-opted later.
Cllr Thorley has previously said he welcomes the opportunity to contribute to anti-racist efforts but criticised the group’s approach.
He said: “As I have been invited to help on the anti-racist action plan by Councillor Randell Thomas-Turner, I’m really confused by their comments.
“I’m very much looking forward to helping integrate communities together in Haverfordwest using food, drink, culture, music and talking.
“In my experience from dealing with them they are far from fighting racism, just because they say they’re anti-racist doesn’t mean they are, just as much as Jim Jones said he was the messiah.”
Haverfordwest Town Council has also responded to the petition, saying it is committed to equality and transparency.
The petition will be considered at the September 18 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
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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