Crime

Milford Haven boxing coach jailed after cocaine and cash stash uncovered

Published

8 months ago

September 19, 2025

A MILFORD HAVEN man with thousands of social media followers and a reputation for organising community boxing events has been jailed after police uncovered cocaine and more than £8,000 in cash at his home.

The case began when Border Force officers intercepted a suspicious parcel from the Netherlands addressed to Liam Thomas’ house. Dyfed-Powys Police swooped on the property in Stratford Road at around 8:40pm on April 12, 2024.

During the raid, officers spotted a plastic bag thrown into the garden. Inside was £8,020 in cash and nearly 27 grams of cocaine with a purity of 79 per cent — worth up to £2,000 on the streets.

When challenged about his phone, Thomas admitted it contained incriminating evidence. Messages dating back to January showed he was running a small drug operation, with references to drivers, sellers, and debts in the tens of thousands of pounds.

Thomas, 25, tried to claim the drugs were for his own use and that the money came from selling his car and his work as a boxing coach. But his barrister Hannah George conceded that his guilty pleas to possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property left little room for mitigation.

She told Swansea Crown Court her client had endured a troubled childhood and built up cocaine debts that dragged him further into crime.

“He is still only twenty-five, with no previous convictions, and this will be his first spell behind bars,” she said.

Judge Catherine Richards told Thomas: “Those who deal in Class A drugs know they face an immediate prison sentence.”

He was jailed for two years and eight months. A further hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act will take place on February 5 to decide how much of his illegal earnings can be recovered.

Popular figure in Milford Haven

Away from the court, Thomas has carved out a strong presence both online and in the community. With more than 5,600 Facebook followers and his own fitness brand, LT Sports and Nutrition, he promoted healthy living and regularly organised charity boxing tournaments. Local parents credit him with getting youngsters off the streets and into sport.

That positive reputation helps explain the huge wave of support he received online in the build-up to his sentencing. On September 3 he posted: “Last week of freedom before the inevitable… let me know if you’d like to see me before I go away.” Two days later he revealed his sentencing had been postponed, and on the eve of court he wrote: “Fingers crossed tomorrow isn’t too bad… time to get this crap sorted, rebuild everything and reach new levels in life.”

The posts drew more than a hundred reactions and dozens of comments wishing him luck. “Everyone makes mistakes… head up chest out you got this mate,” one supporter wrote. Another told him: “A blip in life does not define your future.”

For many in Milford Haven, Thomas remains a popular role model who gave back to his community — even if his involvement in Class A drugs has now cut that influence short.

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

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

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

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

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

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.